Meck County updates towns on immigration enforcement

Nov. 14. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden has notified local towns that personnel from U.S. Customs and Border Protection could arrive in the Charlotte area as early as this weekend.

The town of Davidson emailed residents Thursday night, noting that immigration enforcement is not a function of the town’s police department. Immigration status and enforcement are handled “almost exclusively” by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and federal agencies, the email said, adding that the Davidson Police Department does not investigate citizenship or immigration status.

“The Davidson Police Department is committed to protecting and serving all members of our community, regardless of immigration status,” Davidson Police Chief Philip Geiger wrote. “Our primary focus is maintaining public safety, preventing crime and ensuring that every person in Davidson feels safe contacting and cooperating with our officers.”

Geiger said his officers will work with federal authorities when required by law or in connection with criminal offenses but will not conduct citizenship inquiries as part of minor criminal activity or traffic violations.

“We want every member of our community, regardless of background, to feel safe reporting crimes, seeking help or serving as witnesses,” he wrote. “Fear of immigration consequences should never prevent someone from calling 911 or cooperating with police. Victims and witnesses play a critical role in helping us keep Davidson safe.”