In response to federal immigration operations in the Triangle area, a number of Latino-focused businesses opted to close their doors on Tuesday. Some proprietors cited the safety of their employees as the primary reason for the shutdowns.
At a shopping center located in south Raleigh, a significant portion of the stores were not operational, including a prominent international supermarket. In the midst of this environment, Pastor Caleb Wolf from the United Church of Chapel Hill was present in the parking lot.
“We are out here today to document what is going on as a way of protecting the community,” remarked Wolf. “Both individuals who might be detained and also anyone who’s in the vicinity just to know there is an ICE presence should someone arrive.”
Wolf is part of a collaborative effort organized by Siembra NC, a Latino advocacy group that keeps an eye on potential locations for immigration enforcement actions.
According to the immigrant rights group, concerns about safety have been raised by members throughout the Triangle as Customs and Border Protection agents have been observed in Raleigh.
“We have members across Wake County, Durham, Orange, Johnston, even here into Guilford County. And people are staying home. People are really scared,” stated Nikki Marin-Baena, co-director of Siembra NC. “Some people are making the choice to go to work anyway, but they’re trying to get rides to work from other people.”
Marin-Baena mentioned that people are seeking guidance from the organization on whether it is safe to attend work or send their children to school.
During a city council meeting, Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell confirmed multiple sightings of U.S. Border Patrol agents in Wake and Durham counties. Additionally, a Cary spokesperson acknowledged awareness of federal agents in the vicinity.
