NC Democrats Demand End to Immigration Crackdowns

Lawmakers and advocates condemn clashes between protesters and federal agents

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:39pm

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Democratic legislators in North Carolina held a news conference on Tuesday to speak out against the deployment of immigration officers in the state, which has led to clashes with protesters and the shooting deaths of at least two U.S. citizens. The Democrats called on the Trump administration to end immigration crackdowns across the nation and accused their Republican colleagues of ignoring bills that would have barred immigration officials from arresting immigrants in certain locations.

Why it matters

The immigration crackdowns have sparked outrage and protests in North Carolina, with concerns raised about the use of excessive force by federal agents and the impact on immigrant communities. The issue has become a major political flashpoint, with Democrats and Republicans taking opposing stances.

The details

Democratic state legislators and advocates for minorities held a news conference at the North Carolina legislature to condemn the deployment of immigration officers in the state. They said the crackdowns have led to clashes with protesters and the shooting deaths of at least two U.S. citizens. The Democrats accused their Republican colleagues of ignoring bills that would have barred immigration officials from arresting immigrants in churches, hospitals, schools, farms, and construction sites.

  • Federal immigration agents were deployed to Raleigh and Charlotte last year, arresting hundreds of people.
  • The news conference was held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

The players

Renée Price

A Democratic state representative from Orange County.

Marcia Morey

A Democratic state representative from Durham.

William Barber

An anti-poverty advocate who led a vigil at the legislature and announced plans for a march from Wilson to Raleigh.

Matt Mercer

A spokesman for the North Carolina Republican Party, who accused protesters of obstructing federal law enforcement agents.

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What they’re saying

“Across North Carolina, people are rising up and speaking out in opposition to the unconscionable actions being perpetrated against fellow Americans, against legal immigrants, against innocent children, and ourselves.”

— Renée Price, State Representative, D-Orange

“What we're witnessing today is cruelty. Cruelty by our government.”

— Marcia Morey, State Representative, D-Durham

“The American people continue to support removing illegal immigrants from our country in large numbers.”

— Matt Mercer, Spokesman, North Carolina Republican Party

What’s next

Bishop William Barber announced that his group will lead a march from Wilson to Raleigh between February 11-13, culminating in an event at the state capitol on February 14th.

The takeaway

The immigration crackdowns in North Carolina have become a major political issue, with Democrats and Republicans taking opposing stances. The clashes between protesters and federal agents have raised concerns about the use of excessive force and the impact on immigrant communities, leading to calls for legislative action to limit the ability of immigration officials to arrest immigrants in certain locations.