CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) provided the public with examples of illegal immigrants who have been detained for committing serious crimes in Mecklenburg County. Due to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s sanctuary policy, ICE’s detainer requests will be ignored and the individuals charged with serious crimes, who have a high probability of reoffending and harming innocent people, may be released back into the community. ICE is requesting that Mecklenburg County transfer the custody of the inmates before they are released and have an opportunity to harm more North Carolina residents.  

This afternoon in Charlotte, Senators Thom Tillis (NC), Chuck Grassley (IA), and Representatives Dan Bishop (NC-9) and Ted Budd (NC-13) will hold a press conference to announce new legislation aimed at stopping the sanctuary policies implemented by a handful of North Carolina’s sheriffs, which includes Mecklenburg County.

“The announcement made by ICE should concern all North Carolinians, as some local officials are putting politics ahead of public safety by providing sanctuary to dangerous criminals who are here illegally,” said Senator Thom Tillis. “Today, I will be joining my colleagues, including Congressmen Dan Bishop and Ted Budd, to announce legislation that will help put an end to these reckless and dangerous sanctuary policies.” 

Among the current illegal immigrants being detained by Mecklenburg County who may be released back into the community after ICE’s detainer request is ignored or declined:

• An individual arrested for first degree murder. The detainer will not be honored by Mecklenburg County.

• An individual arrested for three counts of indecent liberties with child, two counts statutory sex offense with child by adult. The detainers for this individual are routinely not honored by Mecklenburg County.

• An individual arrested for three counts trafficking opium or heroin, two counts maintaining vehicle, dwelling, place controlled substance, two counts selling/delivering heroin, possessing a stolen firearm. The detainer will not be honored by Mecklenburg County.

• An individual arrested for three counts of indecent liberties with a child, two counts sexual act by sub parent/custodian, and two counts statutory sex offense with child by adult. The detainer will not be honored by Mecklenburg County.

• An individual arrested for three counts indecent liberties with child, two counts statutory sex offense with child, and statutory rape of child.The detainer will not be honored by Mecklenburg County.

• An individual arrested for five counts of indecent liberties with a child, three counts statutory sex offense with child by adult, and statutory rape of child by adult. The detainer will not be honored by Mecklenburg County.

• An individual arrested for first degree, two counts assault with a deadly weapon, three counts robbery with dangerous weapon. The detainer will not be honored by Mecklenburg County.

• An individual arrested for trafficking opium or heroin, selling heroin, and maintaining vehicle, dwelling, place controlled substance. The detainer will not be honored by Mecklenburg County.

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