A Democratic lawmaker is shedding light on a troubling situation where a sheriff allegedly attempted to pressure him into voting against enhanced collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Carla Cunningham, a Congresswoman from North Carolina, claims that the sheriff of Mecklenburg County, Garry McFadden, sought to intimidate her as she considered her vote on a controversial bill, House Bill 318, which mandates that sheriffs cooperate with ICE regarding detainees. Cunningham recalls intense pressure from party members to align against overriding a veto from Democratic Governor Josh Stein in July 2025.
She reported that during a phone call, McFadden warned her that “the people of Mecklenburg County were going to come at me.” He’s known for his opposition to ICE and the bill in question. According to Cunningham, he implied that there would be severe repercussions if she supported the legislation.
“I told him, ‘I’m already under guard,’” she recounted, explaining that she thought he might be aware of that, given her local law enforcement’s involvement. Yet, he responded by stating, “But you’re in my county,” suggesting that McFadden could withhold protection if she faced threats.
Cunningham interpreted this as a blatant indication of possible abandonment of protection. A representative for McFadden confirmed awareness of Cunningham’s claims but declined to make any statements about them as of now.
The North Carolina Bureau of Investigation has been looking into allegations against McFadden for retaliatory behavior against employees and using county resources for campaign activities, among other accusations.
McFadden’s relationship with ICE has been contentious since he took office in December 2018, when he began rejecting detainer requests and releasing undocumented immigrants, drawing criticism from ICE for his approach.
Despite his mixed stance on cooperation with ICE, he voiced complaints in late 2025 regarding a lack of communication from Customs and Border Protection about enforcement operations in his area, suggesting that their presence created fear rather than promoting safety.
House Bill 318, introduced by North Carolina House Republicans in March 2025, extends previous anti-sanctuary measures, requiring sheriffs to keep undocumented immigrants in custody for at least 48 hours to allow ICE to decide on their deportation.
Although the state legislature passed the bill, Governor Stein vetoed it, calling it unconstitutional. Following this, Cunningham became a focal point for both the Republicans aiming to override the veto and those in her party who opposed the bill. She ended up being the only Democrat to support it across party lines, drawing both support and criticism from her colleagues.
Feeling uneasy after her conversation with McFadden, Cunningham sought legal counsel and began to navigate her situation cautiously. Ultimately, she maintained her stance, voting for the repeal despite the associated backlash and making a clear statement about prioritizing law enforcement and public safety.
Cunningham reflects on her decision-making process, identifying as a moderate Democrat and considering herself an independent thinker. She believes her background in nursing enhances her ability to make sound judgments and apply critical thinking in her political actions.
