Border Patrol Sightings in Raleigh-Durham Raise Alarm; No Large-Scale CBP Sweep Confirmed

Raleigh-Durham — Men in green uniforms and vests were observed detaining people across the Raleigh-Durham region on Tuesday, but local officials say a broad, citywide enforcement sweep similar to recent actions in Charlotte did not occur in Raleigh.

Conflicting Official Statements

Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell said late Monday that personnel from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection were present in Raleigh. However, a senior administration official later told reporters that Customs and Border Protection did not have plans to stage a formal operation in Raleigh at this time. The official added that Gregory Bovino, the U.S. Border Patrol commander overseeing enforcement activity in Charlotte, planned to remain there.

Cowell’s office pointed to sightings confirmed by local law enforcement in Wake County (which includes Raleigh) and Durham County. The mayor encouraged residents to stay safe, report suspected illegal activity to authorities, protest peacefully and be kind to neighbors.

Local Reports and Video Evidence

Siembra NC, an immigrant-advocacy group, posted photos and videos showing masked agents wearing green uniforms and vests in Cary, Raleigh and Durham. In at least one image a U.S. Border Patrol shoulder patch was visible. The group said the documented detentions included landscaping workers in Raleigh, construction workers at a Cary childcare facility, people walking near a Raleigh restaurant and people at apartment complexes.

In Durham, staff at the All My Children day care temporarily locked down the facility after seeing immigration officers nearby. Elisha Muhammad, a day care staff member, said parents and children were frightened and that “this is not fair” for families forced to hide or take shelter.

Eyewitness Account and Community Response

Nida Allam, chair of the Durham County Board of Commissioners, said she witnessed officers detaining three men behind a business. She said the agents — who she believed were Border Patrol — told her no warrant was needed and that the men were being detained as immigration violators and considered flight risks. Allam, a naturalized U.S. citizen, said she was shaken by the scene and recorded video of the detentions.

Faith leaders, community organizers and elected officials condemned the activity at a late Tuesday news conference and praised residents who completed virtual training to act as observers and document enforcement actions.

Context: Charlotte Enforcement and National Response

The heightened activity follows an intensified enforcement operation in Charlotte dubbed "Operation Charlotte’s Web," which the Department of Homeland Security said resulted in 207 arrests as of Monday night. Local residents and advocacy groups have accused federal agents of heavy-handed tactics and racial profiling, claims that prompted public outcry and temporary business closures in affected neighborhoods.

Officials from the Department of Homeland Security have said those arrested in Charlotte broke immigration laws and that some had criminal records, including allegations of serious offenses. DHS emphasized its commitment to enforcing immigration law while urging focus on individuals with criminal histories.

Allegations of Excessive Force

During the Charlotte actions, agents forcibly broke a U.S. citizen’s car window after the driver did not open the door; the man later said he had already shown proof of citizenship to other agents. He and advocacy groups said stops and questioning in Charlotte appeared to target people based on skin color and ethnicity.

Advice for residents: Remain calm, record and report suspicious or potentially unlawful activity to local authorities, and follow guidance from community organizations on safe observation and documentation practices.

Requests for further comment from federal authorities about the reported Raleigh-Durham sightings and related videos were not immediately answered.