Border Patrol Sightings in Raleigh–Durham Spark Concern; Officials Say No Charlotte‑Style Sweep

Men in green uniforms and vests were reported detaining people across the Raleigh–Durham area on Tuesday, prompting concern among residents and local leaders. While multiple confirmed sightings were reported in Wake and Durham counties, federal officials say no large-scale, coordinated sweep like the one in Charlotte took place in the Triangle.

Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell initially said agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection were present in the city. A senior federal official later clarified that Customs and Border Protection did not have plans for an operation in Raleigh at this time, and that the Border Patrol commander overseeing the Charlotte operation intended to remain in Charlotte.

Cowell urged calm and vigilance. At a Raleigh City Council meeting she said local law enforcement had confirmed Border Patrol sightings and asked residents to stay safe, report illegal activity, protest peacefully and "be kind to your neighbors today."

Context: Charlotte operation and community response

Federal authorities have called the recent enforcement action in Charlotte "Operation Charlotte’s Web," which the Department of Homeland Security reported resulted in 207 arrests as of Monday night. Local residents and advocacy groups say agents used heavy-handed tactics, engaged in racial profiling and caused fear that led some businesses to close temporarily.

Requests for comment to DHS about whether Border Patrol units were operating in Raleigh and about videos circulating online were not immediately answered.

Videos and community reports

Siembra NC, an immigrant-rights organization, posted photos and videos that appear to show Border Patrol agents making arrests in Cary, Raleigh and Durham. The footage shows officers wearing green uniforms and vests; in at least one image a U.S. Border Patrol patch is visible. The organization said detentions included landscape workers in Raleigh, construction workers in Cary and people walking near a restaurant in Raleigh, as well as arrests at apartment complexes.

In Durham, staff at a day care temporarily locked down after spotting immigration officers outside. "This is not fair that our innocent kids and parents suddenly have to hide," a day care employee said.

Officials and eyewitness accounts

Nida Allam, chair of the Durham County Board of Commissioners, said she witnessed the detention of three men behind a business. According to Allam, the officers — whom she believed were Border Patrol agents — were placing the men into cars when she arrived. She said she asked whether they had a warrant and was told they did not need one; officers said the men were being detained as immigration violators and deemed flight risks.

“I’m a naturalized citizen. I was shaking to see Border Patrol. ... It’s terrorizing all our communities,” Allam said after recording video of the detentions.

Faith and community leaders, along with elected officials, condemned the enforcement activity at a news conference and praised residents who completed virtual training to serve as observers and document arrests.

Protests, school absences and political reaction

In Charlotte, students staged a schoolwide walkout in protest and many parents kept children home. The Charlotte‑Mecklenburg district reported an unofficial count of roughly 30,399 student absences on Monday — about 21% of the district — well above the district’s typical absence rate.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein urged federal officers to "target violent criminals, not neighbors walking down the street going to church or putting up Christmas decorations," and asked residents to remain peaceful while documenting and reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

Federal response and allegations of profiling

The Department of Homeland Security defended the Charlotte arrests, saying those detained had violated immigration laws and that some had serious criminal records. A DHS spokesperson said enforcement will continue until people who are in the country illegally and pose criminal threats are arrested and removed.

The Charlotte operation drew additional scrutiny after agents broke the car window of a U.S. citizen who would not open his door. The man said he had already shown proof of citizenship to other agents earlier. Authorities later accused him on social media of trying to distract officers; advocates and the man contend the actions reflected racial profiling.

Advocates and community members continue to share videos and firsthand accounts; reporters have requested comment from DHS about profiling and the use of force.