Over the weekend, there were reports of U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Western North Carolina. Agents began operations in Charlotte, a few hours away from the region, causing concerns for community members. As immigration operations move to the Triangle, advocacy groups keep a watchful eye on other areas where they may move.
Why were there reports of immigration operations in downtown Asheville over the weekend?
Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer wrote in a statement on Friday that Asheville “may be a targeted city.”
Over the weekend, numerous social media reports said federal law enforcement officials were in downtown Asheville on Saturday afternoon. The posts were later confirmed to be connected to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s visit for a country music concert.
On Kennedy’s X page, he posted a photograph with the caption, “All the way to Asheville for a night of Hillbilly music with Dwight Yoakam.”
In downtown Asheville, more than 100 protesters walked through the streets to march against potential ICE and border patrol operations in the area, BPR reported.
”We believe every person, regardless of immigration status, should feel safe in the community they call home. Asheville Police Department (APD) officers are dedicated to maintaining public safety, and as stated by Chief Lamb, APD does not have the authority to enforce immigration law,” Manheimer said in the statement.
Compañeros Inmigrantes de las Montañas en Accion, commonly known as CIMA, runs a WNC-based immigrant rights group and hotline where ICE sightings can be reported. The organization works to confirm these tips.
CIMA said in a Facebook post that they continued to receive tips about activity around Arden but have not been able to confirm any arrests.
As of Monday afternoon, no one had been detained or arrested in recent operations in WNC by Border Patrol or ICE.
Asheville City Schools sent out a statement from Superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman on Monday afternoon. Fehrman said that the school system had not received any confirmation about ICE in the region.
“We understand that there are rumors circulating about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents being present in Asheville. At this time, Asheville City Schools has not received any official information confirming these reports,” Fehrman wrote in a statement. “Please know that we continue to closely monitor the situation and remain in communication with local officials to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff.”
Have operations moved into the region?
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement on Monday morning that they have not received any update about operations in the region.
Here’s the full statement:
“The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office has not received any official notice from U.S. Customs and Border Protection about planned activity in Buncombe County. We have also not contacted Border Patrol regarding the operation reported out of Charlotte.
The Sheriff’s Office enforces North Carolina law. Immigration matters fall under federal jurisdiction, and federal agencies make their own decisions about where they operate. While we will follow state and federal law as required, our resources will remain dedicated to protecting the public safety of Buncombe County, as they have always been. We cannot and will not use county resources to subsidize the enforcement of civil immigration violations.
We know that federal immigration activity can have a real impact on families in our community. Because of that, we will continue to share accurate information and offer guidance on what residents should expect if they encounter ICE or Border Patrol. Our focus is on keeping the community safe, supporting transparency, and making sure people understand the limits of our authority in these situations.”
Local law enforcement potentially have one of three types of agreements with ICE, NC Local explained: Jail Enforcement Model, Task Force Model or Warrant Service Officer program. Twenty-four law enforcement agencies in North Carolina have partnership agreements with ICE. Find your county on this list.
What are local leaders doing to prepare for possible Border Patrol action in WNC?
On Monday, local elected officials and community organizations gathered at Land of Sky United Church of Christ to share a resolution that would block the use of city property for civil immigration enforcement, Mountain XPress reported.
The resolution is not yet on the Asheville City Council agenda for Tuesday. Council member and mayoral candidate Kim Roney co-organized the event.
Are there immigration operations west of Asheville?
Further west, there have also been unverified reports of immigration enforcement operations.
ECBI Principal Chief Michell Hicks posted online that Cherokee Indian Police Department (CIPD) investigated reports of ICE activity on the Qualla Boundary in the Rough Branch area.
Hicks said the Chief’s Office is in “constant communication with CIPD” and will keep the community updated.
“As always, I encourage everyone to remain vigilant but also responsible when sharing information online. Posts that haven’t been verified can spread unnecessary fear and confusion. If you see something concerning, please report it directly to CIPD,” Hicks wrote in a post.
The Qualla Boundary is part of the sovereign nation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee. ICE is able to operate on sovereign lands.
In early 2025, ICE enforcement actions in tribal communities, including the Navajo Nation, reportedly led to wrongful detention or questioning of U.S.-born Native citizens.
In February, 15 senators sent a letter to U.S. Homeland Security asking for more training on Tribal identification and asked for additional information about ICE operations on tribal land.
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