Leaders in Asheville Call for a Ban on ICE Operations

In Asheville, North Carolina, local leaders from the National Education Association (NEA) held a press conference on Monday, expressing strong opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. They urged the city to prohibit ICE from operating on city grounds.

The recent enforcement initiative, dubbed Operation Charlotte Web, led to the arrest of 81 undocumented immigrants in nearby Charlotte. Left-leaning pastors, educators, and mayoral candidates from Asheville rallied together at the conference to demand action. The Buncombe County Educators Association has even voted to restrict ICE access to city property, following a similar order issued by Chicago’s Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson.

“We appreciate the public statements made by various local and state leaders regarding recent deployments,” commented Carson Bridges, president of the Asheville Association of Educators (ACAE), at an event held at Land of Sky United Church of Christ. He emphasized, however, that mere statements won’t ensure the safety of children; what’s needed are concrete policies and actions.

During the press conference, Asheville City Councilmember Kim Loney criticized the congressional resolution related to anti-ICE efforts, claiming it violates residents’ constitutional rights. She characterized immigration enforcement as a significant overreach by the federal government.

Ronnie, a recent candidate for Asheville’s mayoral position, argued that immigration enforcement should be viewed as a civil, rather than a criminal, matter. He stressed that local officials have the ability to enact meaningful changes to enhance community safety.

Rev. Claudia Jimenez from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation also shared her perspective, asserting, “We are not dangerous criminals. We are your neighbors.” She highlighted contributions from immigrant community members, noting the many ways they support and uplift local families and businesses.

The first phase of “Charlotte’s Web” included arrests of individuals associated with MS-13, a gang designated as a foreign terrorist organization under former President Donald Trump. The Department of Homeland Security has issued reports detailing recent increased violence against ICE officers, including shootings in Illinois and California.

A significant rise in attacks and threats against ICE personnel has been noted, with an 8,000% increase in death threats since last October. Assaults on officers reportedly rose by 1,000% compared to the previous year, reflecting heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement.

Bridges, Ronnie, and Jimenez have not yet responded to media inquiries for further comments.