The statement confirms that the local law enforcement agency will maintain its policy of separating local police work from federal immigration enforcement, emphasizing that county resources will not be used to enforce civil violations.
No Official Communication Received
Addressing the root of the recent community anxiety, the BCSO stated clearly that it has not been contacted by federal authorities regarding any planned operations in the area.
The Sheriff's Office confirmed: "BCSO has not received any official note from CBP about planned activity in Buncombe County; however, they also have not contacted border control regarding the operation being reported in Charlotte."
Limits of Local Enforcement
The statement reiterates Sheriff Quentin Miller's long-held position that immigration is a federal matter, not a local one, and that the BCSO’s mandate is the enforcement of North Carolina law. This foundational difference underpins the limits of their cooperation with federal agencies.
The most critical quote from the release clarifies their policy on resource allocation:
"While we will follow state and federal law as required, our resources will remain dedicated to protecting the public safety of Buncombe County, as they have always been. We cannot and will not use county resources to subsidize the enforcement of civil immigration violations," BCSO said.
Prioritizing Community Trust
The Sheriff's Office stressed the importance of community safety and trust, stating that their goal is to ensure all residents feel secure regardless of immigration status.
The statement concluded with a pledge to transparency and education:
"Our focus is on keeping the community safe, supporting transparency, and making sure people understand the limits of our authority in these situations."
This position echoes a previous statement made by Sheriff Quentin Miller, who has repeatedly spoken out on this issue, saying in part: "I have repeatedly spoken out against cooperation with ICE, saying federal immigration law is not the responsibility of local officers and damages law enforcement’s trust within the immigrant community."
The BCSO said it will continue to share information and offer guidance on what residents should expect if they encounter ICE or Border Patrol, focusing on their role as protectors of all Buncombe County residents.
WNCTimes
Image: BCSO