ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Some Asheville and Buncombe County officials on Monday called for a resolution that would block federal immigration authorities from using city-owned property for civil enforcement operations, a move that comes amid growing public concern over possible ICE and Border Patrol activity in the region.
The proposal was announced during a noon press conference led by Asheville City Council member Kim Roney. The measure would prohibit federal immigration agencies from using city facilities, parking lots or parks as staging areas, processing sites or operational bases.
Supporters say the resolution is intended to rebuild public trust, protect city resources still strained by Tropical Storm Helene recovery and reinforce residents’ constitutional rights.
Across the country, federal agents have at times relied on local government land to carry out civil immigration actions. Officials backing the resolution say those practices can deter immigrant families from accessing public services and increase fear in the community.
Under the proposal, city departments would identify and clearly mark city-owned property to prevent unauthorized federal use. Optional signage for private landowners and “know your rights” materials for city employees and tenants would also be developed.
Police, sheriff reiterate limits of local role
Asheville Police Chief Mike Lamb has repeatedly said the department has no authority to enforce federal immigration law, a stance APD reiterated Monday.
“The Asheville Police Department has no authority to enforce federal immigration laws,” the agency said in a statement. “APD does not participate in ICE operations, nor are we involved in planning these federal activities. ”
APD said it had no confirmed information about ICE activity in Buncombe County over the weekend.
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office also said it has received no notice of federal operations in the county.
“We cannot and will not use county resources to subsidize the enforcement of civil immigration violations,” the sheriff’s office said. “Our resources will remain dedicated to protecting the public safety of Buncombe County, as they have always been.”
Online debate intensifies
The proposal immediately reignited debate on social media, where residents expressed sharply differing views.
Some commenters supported the move, arguing that immigration enforcement should not be conducted on local public land.
“It makes sense that local officials don’t want city property being used for federal immigration enforcement,” Ashley Danielle Cobb wrote. “This is about keeping local government focused on local issues, not allowing federal agencies to repurpose city spaces for something the community didn’t agree to.”
Others criticized the proposal, saying federal agents should be allowed to use any property necessary to enforce the law.
“If I still owned property there, I’d let them use it free of charge,” wrote John Dykeman, who said he now lives outside Marion. Another commenter, Skip Brewer, questioned whether local governments should reject federal operations while accepting federal funding.
Several residents emphasized that lawful residents have no reason to fear federal immigration enforcement.
“The people of Asheville and the surrounding area shouldn’t have anything to worry about if they are legal and not criminals,” Cecil Shelton wrote.
Others acknowledged that mistakes may occur but defended federal enforcement efforts.
“No system is perfect and temporary sacrifices always have to be made to achieve a goal,” Sarah Osterman wrote. “Let them do their job.”
Community leaders urge calm
County leaders said rising anxiety among immigrant residents is real and encouraged the public to rely on confirmed information, not online speculation.
“Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe,” Buncombe County Commissioner Martin Moore said.
Roney urged residents to document encounters with federal agents, verify warrants and contact the CIMA hotline at 888-839-2839 if they witness detentions or enforcement activity.
Advocates say the possibility of federal operations arriving before long-delayed disaster relief funding has compounded stress among families still recovering from Helene.
Click here to learn more.
