GOP Lawmaker Grills Anti-ICE Sheriff on Civics Knowledge

North Carolina sheriff stumbles on basic government structure question during heated hearing

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A North Carolina House Oversight Committee hearing took an unexpected turn when Republican state Rep. Allen Chesser questioned Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden, a Democrat who has opposed cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), on his knowledge of the branches of government. McFadden struggled to answer Chesser's questions, prompting the lawmaker to remark that he was not expecting to have to give a "fifth-grade civics lesson" to an elected sheriff.

Why it matters

The exchange highlighted tensions between Republican lawmakers and Democratic sheriffs who have resisted cooperating with federal immigration authorities. It also raised questions about the qualifications and understanding of government structure among some elected law enforcement officials.

The details

During the hearing, Chesser asked McFadden which branch of government he operates under. After several attempts, McFadden incorrectly stated that he falls under the judicial branch, when in fact, as a county sheriff, he falls under the executive branch. Chesser pressed McFadden on how he reconciles his opposition to cooperating with ICE with his responsibility to enforce the law as an executive branch official.

  • The hearing was held on February 11, 2026.
  • The exchange between Chesser and McFadden occurred during the hearing.

The players

Allen Chesser

A Republican state representative in North Carolina and a former Army veteran and police officer.

Garry McFadden

The Democratic sheriff of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, who has opposed cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

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What they’re saying

“This is not where I was anticipating getting stuck. Um, are you aware of how many branches of government there are?”

— Allen Chesser, North Carolina State Representative (Fox News)

“I believe I fall under the last one … judicial.”

— Garry McFadden, Mecklenburg County Sheriff (Fox News)

“You are incorrect, sir. You fall under the executive.”

— Allen Chesser, North Carolina State Representative (Fox News)

What’s next

The North Carolina House Oversight Committee is expected to continue its investigation into the enforcement of immigration laws and the role of local law enforcement in cooperating with federal authorities.

The takeaway

This exchange highlights the need for elected officials, including law enforcement leaders, to have a strong understanding of the basic structure and functions of government. It also underscores the ongoing political tensions around immigration enforcement and the role of local authorities in cooperating with federal agencies.