U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents will be deployed in the Raleigh area on Tuesday, Democratic legislative sources briefed by Gov. Josh Stein’s office told The Assembly and INDY on Monday.
Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell said that she had also been notified about CBP’s impending deployment. Cowell said she would issue a statement soon.
Stein’s communications director did not immediately respond to a phone call and text message on Monday night. Customs and Border Protection agent Rob Brisley said the agency does not discuss operational details.
The legislative sources said they were short on details.
“I do know that they are bringing people here,” said one state senator, who agreed to speak only on background. “We don’t know how long they plan to be here. But they certainly are making their presence known tomorrow.”
The sources also did not know how many agents CBP would send, or whether their intended target—“Raleigh”—meant the city, Wake County, or the entire Triangle. Durham officials said they are planning a press conference on Tuesday morning.
About 200 CBP agents were deployed to Charlotte on Saturday as part of what the Department of Homeland Security called “Operation Charlotte’s Web.” At least 130 people have been arrested so far, according to CBP.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
Jeffrey Billman reports on politics and the law for The Assembly. Email him at jeffrey@theassemblync.com.
Jane Porter is the Raleigh editor at INDY. She is a former staff writer and editor in chief.