The leadership of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Orange County have released a joint statement expressing their concerns over the presence of federal immigration authorities in the Triangle area. Citing the recent operations of these authorities as inducing fear and uncertainty in the community, the local officials have strongly denounced these federal actions. Officials have voiced that, "We strongly denounce actions that sow fear among community members, undermine our local community safety efforts, and infringe on the human rights of our most vulnerable friends and neighbors," as published on the Town of Carrboro's official website.
The joint message underscores the importance of knowing one's rights and stresses that local law enforcement does not participate in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations. Amidst the operations of federal immigration authorities, local law enforcement assures that they will continue to protect and serve all community members. As the fear among neighbors, coworkers, and friends persist, trusted news sources and organizations have been urged by the authorities to provide support for those vulnerable to immigration enforcement operations.
In response to the heightened tensions, a suite of resources has been shared for community members to access accurate information and assistance. Resources include Siembra NC's support resources and El Centro Hispano's hotline for safety protocols and legal information. They aim to ensure that the community members are well-informed and prepared. Moreover, the Orange County Civil Rights and Civic Life department has additional information available on their website for those seeking assistance. Details were disseminated through a collaborative release by the mayors of the respective towns and the Chair of the Orange, together with local law enforcement chiefs and the Orange County Sheriff.
The availability of multilingual guides and the promise of legal support come at a time when many in the community feel uncertain about their future. This message from local officials serves not just as a beacon of information but ostensibly aims to reaffirm their commitment to inclusivity and the protection of all residents, regardless of immigration status. Leaders have made it clear that, "We ask that community members rely on trusted organizations that provide accurate information and assistance," furthering the collective effort to monitor and respond to the situation as it evolves. For immediate support, among the resources listed, individuals can contact El Centro Hispano at various phone numbers depending on their specific needs, as per the Town of Carrboro.
