(The Center Square) – One dozen questions are asked of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem by first-term Democratic North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein in a Friday letter related to enhanced federal enforcement of immigration law in Charlotte.
The last asks specifically, “How much has Operation Charlotte’s Web cost the federal government?”
Charlotte’s Web, the main emphasis, lasted five days through Wednesday, though an assistant secretary in Homeland Security says it’s not over. Among his questions is how long it will last.
Stein specifically criticizes federal agents “in too many instances in recent days” of “recklessly jeopardizing public safety and creating havoc in our communities.” Stein says car windows have been broken by federal lawmen, enforcement has happened “within the vicinity of school drop-offs,” and he says “people have been racially profiled.”
The governor is also critical of the federal agents not coordinating with “all levels of law enforcement.” For his part, Stein has vetoed three immigration-related bills. In Mecklenburg County, Sheriff Garry McFadden is among the state’s most well-known for refusing to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement prior to state law changing.
In addition to asking how long Charlotte’s Web is in operation, Stein asks of Noem where future operations will be; asks for a comprehensive list of people arrested or detained, reasons why, and with reference to published reports of there being more than 370; if Miranda rights were read to all; and knowledge of misconduct reports by federal agents.
He also asks, “What are your policies regarding the scope of operations in the vicinity of schools, childcare centers and playgrounds?” And he asks, “What are your policies regarding high-speed chases and pursuits?”
Noem nor Homeland Security has responded publicly to the message. Stein has not commented publicly since on any conversations with the agency.
On Thursday, Stein said, “The actions of the Border Patrol in communities across North Carolina are doing the opposite of keeping us safe.”
Homeland Security on Thursday wrote on social media, “Illegal aliens are forcing American students to the back burner. Twenty percent of Charlotte school district students are not showing up for class while our deportation operations are ongoing. Could it be that a significant portion of our public education system is being dedicated to supporting illegals? Shocking. Disturbing. Unacceptable. The work continues.”
In a post on Sunday, it wrote, “Drain the sanctuary sewers! Under the leadership of Secretary Noem, we are sweeping through sanctuary cities, rounding up criminal illegals, and returning America to Americans.”
Noem last week said, “If you are a criminal illegal alien in North Carolina, your days of terrorizing Americans are over. Operation Charlotte’s Web is fully deployed – and we will find you and arrest you. President Trump and I are protecting the citizens of North Carolina.”
Second-term Republican President Donald Trump has made enforcement of immigration law and border security one of the top priorities of his second administration. Noem, former governor of South Dakota after nearly a decade in the U.S. House of Representatives, has directed staff to multiple immigration enforcement operations in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland and the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Similar to Americans using passports, visas or other documentation to visit foreign countries, so too does the law require those coming into the United States to do so. The vast majority follow these laws.
