North Carolina Primaries Spotlight Immigration Debate: What’s at Stake for Charlotte’s Latino Voters
The March 3rd primary elections in North Carolina are shaping up to be a key battleground for candidates vying for seats in the state House of Representatives. Recent forums, including one hosted by the Freedom Center for Social Justice and the Carolina Migrant Network (CMN) on February 10th, have highlighted diverging approaches to immigration policy, particularly in Mecklenburg County, home to a significant Latino electorate.
“Sanctuary Zones” and Protecting Vulnerable Communities
Reverend Rodney Sadler, a candidate for the District 106 (representing areas of Northlake in Charlotte), is advocating for the creation of “ICE-free zones” within schools and churches. This proposal aims to shield vulnerable communities from immigration enforcement activities. Sadler emphasized the necessitate to protect non-citizens, ensuring children feel safe at school and individuals can practice their faith without fear of intervention from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
“We cannot treat immigrant communities as if they are inferior… We cannot position them at risk,” Sadler stated during the forum.
Sadler also underscored the sacred nature of churches and other places of worship, arguing they should be protected from ICE detentions. He believes the current system unfairly targets individuals who are contributing to the community.
Shifting Support and Commitment to Immigrant Rights
In the District 99 race (northeast Charlotte), Tucker Neal withdrew from the contest, endorsing Veleria M. Levy. Levy has publicly committed to protecting immigrant communities and opposing federal overreach. She voiced support for Governor Roy Cooper’s stance on immigration issues and criticized her opponent, Nasif Majeed, for a perceived lack of action and engagement with these communities.
“You can trust that your representative will be on your side when no one else is around,” Levy declared, addressing migrant communities.
Levy previously served as Executive Director of the North Carolina AIDS Action Network and currently leads HerHealth, a health consulting firm.
Small Business Support and Community Solidarity
Kelly VanHorn, running for the District 105 seat, is focusing on the intersection of immigrant rights and economic opportunity. She highlighted the importance of community solidarity, referencing experiences during neighborhood patrols where residents alerted each other to ICE presence. VanHorn also emphasized the need to review business regulations to better support immigrant-owned small businesses.
VanHorn recounted her efforts to deliver schoolwork to immigrant students during the November 2025 “Operation Charlotte’s Web” who were afraid to leave their homes due to fear of arrest by Border Patrol agents.
The Role of Local Organizations
The Carolina Migrant Network (CMN) is playing a crucial role in advocating for immigrant rights and providing legal representation. The organization offers free legal assistance to individuals in detention centers and provides community organizing support. Local organizations like Siembra NC are also actively involved, offering volunteer training to monitor areas and distribute “Know Your Rights” cards. Financial support for these organizations is critical, with funds going towards ICE hotlines and bail funds.
Future Trends and Challenges
The debates surrounding these primary elections reflect broader trends in North Carolina. Increased scrutiny of immigration enforcement practices, coupled with a growing awareness of the contributions of immigrant communities, are likely to shape future policy discussions. The focus on “sanctuary zones” and protecting places of worship highlights a growing demand for local solutions to address federal immigration policies. The emphasis on supporting immigrant-owned businesses underscores the economic importance of these communities.
Did you know?
The Carolina Migrant Network provides both legal defense and community organizing services, offering a holistic approach to immigrant advocacy.
FAQ
- What is a “sanctuary zone”? A designated area, such as a school or church, where ICE and CBP are discouraged from conducting enforcement activities.
- What does CMN do? The Carolina Migrant Network provides free legal representation and community organizing support to immigrants.
- How can I support immigrant communities in Charlotte? You can volunteer with organizations like Siembra NC and CMN, donate to their efforts, or distribute “Know Your Rights” cards.
Learn More: Explore the candidates’ platforms at Rodney Sadler’s website, Veleria Levy’s website, and Kelly VanHorn’s website.
Join the Conversation: What issues are most vital to you in this election? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
