ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Reports of alleged Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity circulated across Asheville on Tuesday after armed men wearing masks and bulletproof vests were seen at an apartment complex near Merrimon Avenue.
Witnesses said several sport utility vehicles arrived at a parking lot near The Jefferson apartment building at 116 E. Chestnut St. shortly after noon, fueling speculation on social media about a possible federal law enforcement operation.
“I saw several armed men, at least one with a long gun, and one wearing a mask going into the building,” said a man who was seated outside a nearby office. “I’ve only seen one man leave.”
The witness said building management told people in the area that officers were serving a warrant at the property.
By about 1:30 p.m., an Asheville animal services vehicle and two city forensic vehicles had entered the apartment complex parking lot. A man wearing a vest marked “POLICE,” along with a black T-shirt and jeans, was seen escorting individuals as they exited the vehicles.
A local community organization later posted on social media that the activity involved the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. A resident of the building said officers told them a neighbor was the subject of an arrest warrant on child exploitation charges.
The Asheville Police Department later confirmed it assisted another agency in serving federal warrants at the location. Police said the operation was successful and one person was taken into custody. Animal Control was contacted because of a cat at the residence.
Police said the activity was not an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation, contrary to rumors circulating on social media.