In a powerful display of community solidarity, Dilworth United Methodist Church in Charlotte recently hosted a training event geared toward assisting residents amid heightened federal immigration enforcement. The church was filled to capacity as hundreds of attendees participated in role-play scenarios to practice responses to immigration raids, with some volunteers donning bright vests and blowing whistles to alert community members to possible federal activity.
Rev. Joel Simpson led the training, encouraging those present to foster an organized, non-violent response to immigration enforcement. “We’re going to report active operations that are happening in our city, alert people nearby, and offer reminders of our rights,” he stated. Volunteers, who will patrol various zones around Charlotte, are instructed to maintain a safe distance from law enforcement and to never physically interfere with their actions.
This community initiative emerges as a response to what has been described as an aggressive immigration crackdown in the Charlotte area. Reports indicate that over 250 arrests have occurred since the operation began, prompting families to keep their children home from school out of fear of being targeted by immigration authorities.
Local organizations, including Siembra NC, have taken the lead in these training efforts, as they aim to protect immigrant rights and ensure safe passage for residents as they navigate their daily lives. Volunteers outside the church offered whistles and carried signs that read, “Loving your neighbors is holy.”
Maria Klein, who attended the session, expressed her motivation to engage in activism. “This was an opportunity to really do something practical and to have an immediate impact,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of safety for children and parents alike.
In light of the heightened anxiety among families, teachers at local schools report that many students are choosing not to attend classes due to fears surrounding immigration enforcement. With attendance at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools dropping significantly – approximately 20% of the district’s enrollment – educators and parents are stepping up to help alleviate these concerns. Some PTA members have begun standing guard at school entrances, while local businesses have taken precautions to protect their customers from potential enforcement actions.
Charlotte business owner Bryan Li, who is actively patrolling the city, highlighted the crucial role of community action: “When harm is done, more people rally, learn, and prepare so we can help protect our most vulnerable.” This sentiment echoes the broader commitment seen among local residents to uphold the safety and dignity of their immigrant neighbors.
While the community faces significant challenges amid the current immigration landscape, these collective actions serve to empower residents and foster a hopeful environment where safety and support come first. The determination shown by Charlotte residents signals an unwavering commitment to mutual aid and an ongoing fight for immigrant rights.