Charlotte, NC, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Maria Somers, the Assistant Field Office Director for ICE in Charlotte, seeks to garner community support amidst significant opposition regarding the agency’s operations. Somers emphasizes that ICE focuses on public safety by apprehending criminals. However, the agency continues to face backlash, especially after an incident near a local school raised concerns about its presence impacting immigrant students’ safety. Despite calls for dialogue, community engagement remains low, complicating ICE’s efforts to reshape its image.
Charlotte, NC – Maria Somers, the Assistant Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Charlotte, is seeking greater community support for the agency amidst considerable opposition. Somers, who is originally from Mexico, noted that ICE has faced significant criticism in Charlotte but aims to reshape this perception.
Somers emphasized that ICE’s operations are rooted in public safety, asserting that the agency focuses on “arresting criminals” and removing them from communities. This year alone, public data indicates that over 28,000 individuals have been arrested by ICE in the Carolinas and Georgia. Despite criticisms regarding the agency’s tactics, Somers pointed out that almost all sheriffs in North Carolina, including some who have publicly criticized ICE, have begun cooperating with the agency.
In an assertion of her agency’s focus, Somers referenced a high-profile case involving a nursing student named Laken Riley, who was murdered by an undocumented immigrant. She believes such cases justify ICE’s emphasis on apprehending undocumented individuals with criminal records.
However, tension surrounding ICE’s presence continues to escalate, particularly at local educational institutions. Recently, an incident outside Charlotte East Language Academy, where ICE arrested a man with a history of violent crimes, sparked outrage within the community. Opponents argue that schools should serve as “sanctuary spaces” free from immigration enforcement. Parents and advocacy groups voiced fears regarding the security of immigrant students and families due to potential ICE operations on school grounds.
Critics have particularly focused on updated protocols by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), which allow ICE agents access to public areas of school property without prior approval. Following the arrest of Adrian Ojeda-Calvillo, accusations flew regarding the appropriateness of ICE activities near school zones. ICE maintains that the arrest was unrelated to ongoing school activities and occurred on an adjacent sidewalk.
CMS board members explained that, under state and federal law, they are limited in their ability to prevent ICE from carrying out operations around schools. However, Board Vice Chair Dee Rankin assured parents that protocols are in place to restrict ICE from operating freely on campuses without adequate cause, seeking to balance legal obligations and student safety concerns.
Despite calls for increased dialogue, Somers remarked on the lack of engagement from local organizations, stating that few NGOs have reached out for discussions. She believes that improved communication and understanding of ICE’s responsibilities are essential for fostering better relations with the community.
As tensions between community members and ICE persist, the fallout from confrontations like the arrest at the school may further complicate the agency’s outreach efforts in the area.
FAQ
What is the role of ICE in Charlotte?
ICE is responsible for enforcing immigration laws and handling immigration-related investigations. In Charlotte, the agency focuses on apprehending individuals involved in criminal activities to enhance public safety.
What are the concerns regarding ICE’s presence in schools?
Concerns center around the safety and wellbeing of immigrant students and their families. Critics argue that schools should be “sanctuary spaces” and fear that ICE activities could deter students from attending school.
What changes have been made to school protocols regarding ICE?
Recent updates to protocols allow ICE agents to access public areas of school grounds without prior consent, which has raised questions about student safety among parents and community members.
How has the community reacted to ICE’s actions?
Community reactions have been mixed, with significant opposition from church groups, parent-teacher associations, and other advocacy organizations due to concerns over ICE’s tactics and impact on vulnerable populations.
Summary Chart
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ICE’s Operations | Focuses on apprehending individuals involved in criminal activities for public safety. |
| Public Reactions | Community members, churches, and advocacy groups have raised concerns over ICE’s presence in schools. |
| Recent Incidents | ICE arrest near Charlotte East Language Academy led to parental concerns about student safety. |
| CMS Protocols | Updated rules allow ICE access to public school areas, sparking controversy. |
| Community Support | Somers aims to improve perceptions and engagement with local organizations. |
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer
- Wikipedia: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- WCNC
- Google Search: ICE Charlotte
- WBTV
- Google Scholar: ICE in Schools
- WSOC TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
Author: HERE Charlotte
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