We all know that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have increased activity all over the U.S. ICE investigations and raids have expanded to North Carolina, being spotted in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Cary in recent weeks.
The arrival of these ICE agents has disrupted much of our community and the daily lives of residents living in North Carolina.
Here at Raleigh Charter, a freshman, Aashi Mandloi shares her concerns on ICE in her community.
Q: What changes, if any, have you noticed in your community or neighborhood recently?
A: “I noticed more people in my community being more cautious of their surroundings and aware of their rights and being more scared of being a legal immigrant in the U.S. More people have been carrying around their passports and green cards as well.” Aashi Mandloi said.
It has been reported that innocent people have been targeted on suspicion of their immigration status, leading people to carry their passports on them at all times. Many minors and legal citizens have reported having a sense of fear and distrust for their workplaces, classrooms, or neighborhoods, with Wake County Public Schools reporting higher than average school absences and some local businesses facing strains from employees staying home to avoid scrutiny.
Raleigh Police Department (RPD) stress that they are not a part of ICE’s operations, and only respond when there is a threat to life or property. Josh Stein, mayor of North Carolina, explains that public safety is the number one top priority and to focus on arresting violent criminals and drug traffickers.
Protests have been seen over North Carolina, and lots of advice have been given to ensure the safety of innocent people.
“By early morning, trained volunteers were dispatched throughout Raleigh as safety patrols ready to assist neighbors in getting to school and work safely,” a release from a statewide immigrant worker organizing group said.
