The proposed measure aims to formally prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol from using city-owned property for civil enforcement operations.
The move, announced amid rising community anxiety, is intended to reinforce local priorities, protect residents’ civil rights, and rebuild public trust in the wake of reports of increased federal activity elsewhere in the state.
Blocking Federal Use of City Resources
The resolution is designed to keep federal immigration agencies from repurposing city assets—including city facilities, parking lots, and parks—as staging, processing, or operational bases. Supporters of the measure argue that allowing this practice deters immigrant families from seeking essential public services and compounds fear, especially for families still navigating the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.
Key Statements and Quotes from the Press Conference
Speakers at the noon event urged calm, documentation, and a strong local defense of community members:
Council member Kim Roney stressed the importance of community vigilance and local law enforcement’s role: "If you see any inappropriate behavior, use your phones to record and notify local law enforcement, who will continue to keep our communities safe long after these federal agents leave. That's the North Carolina way.”
Buncombe County Commissioner Martin Moore acknowledged the difficult atmosphere: “Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe.” He advised the public to use confirmed information to avoid escalating fear based on speculation.
Rev. Sara Wilcox of Land of the Sky United Church of Christ issued a challenge to elected leaders: “We can and we should demand a different solution for immigration. We should and we will speak to the inhumane, unjust and extralegal actions of unaccountable government actors that disrespect and undermine our law enforcement, our elected officials and our community with their presence and their behaviors.”
Claudia Jiménez, a minister, connected the issue to recent disaster recovery efforts: “We are your neighbors. How many of you had immigrant siblings take care of your roots after Helene? How many of you have immigrant siblings that own businesses that you support and that support you?”
Local Law Enforcement Reiterates Stance
Both the Asheville Police Department (APD) and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office reaffirmed their policy of not enforcing federal immigration law, a stance central to local community trust.
The Asheville Police Department issued a statement confirming their boundaries: “The Asheville Police Department has no authority to enforce federal immigration laws... APD does not participate in ICE operations, nor are we involved in planning these federal activities. ” APD noted it had no confirmed information about ICE activity in Buncombe County over the weekend.
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that local resources would not be used to assist federal civil enforcement: “We cannot and will not use county resources to subsidize the enforcement of civil immigration violations. Our resources will remain dedicated to protecting the public safety of Buncombe County, as they have always been.”
The resolution awaits placement on a future City Council agenda, as community leaders continue to monitor the situation closely.
WNCTimes