From Staff Reports 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Despite warnings on Nov. 14 by city officials that Asheville could be a target city of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as of the Daily Planet’s early morning Nov. 24 press deadline for this edition, no substantiated reports could be found of a major federal immigration crackdown in the Asheville area. 

Instead, AI Overview noted early Nov. 24 that, “after its work in (nearby) Charlotte, which concluded around Nov. 20, federal immigration enforcement is redeploying to New Orleans for an operation named ‘Operation Catahoula Crunch.’ Federal sources indicate that approximately 200 agents are expected to be moved from Charlotte to New Orleans to begin enforcement actions in that city, according to PBS NewsHour.”

As for Asheville, city Mayor Esther Manheimer on Nov 14 released a Facebook statement referencing North Carolina Governor Josh Stein’s statement about ICE and Border Patrol agents, adding that Asheville “may be a targeted city.”

Stein’s statement said in part, “As this situation develops, I will continue to stay in touch with local and state officials to keep people safe, respect the rule of law, and support our people,” 

Manheimer and Stein’s statements followed a report — of the impending arrival in Charlotte of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents — by Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden.

Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) reported on Nov. 14 that Asheville City Councilman Bo Hess also emailed a statement to the TV station, stating in part, “I have reached out to leadership at the Department of Homeland Security to express concern about sending ICE into our city and to seek clarity about their intentions. Asheville is a welcoming community, and we will defend the trust we’ve built with our residents.”

News 13 added, “Stein, Manheimer, and Hess emphasized a unified commitment to peace and respect for the rule of law.”

Manheimer stated, “Asheville Police Department officers are dedicated to maintaining public safety, and as stated by Chief Lamb, APD does not have the authority to enforce immigration law.” 

What’s more, Manheimer and Hess emphasized their support for the community, with Hess writing, “If you or your family need support, guidance or information, please do not hesitate to reach out. You are not alone — and you belong here.”

News 13’s “Comment Bubble” that followed its story included the following assertions:

• SneakySnake444 — “ICE has been seen at and around Emma station (on Nov. 15).

“Also around the West Asheville area .

“Word from reliable sources has it that the initial crackdown begins soon. Starting with obvious hangouts. They also plan on not letting any protests slow them down. Tear gas has helped with that.”

 • Upswh — “I never understood how any state or city can decide what laws they will follow and what they will ignore. When did it become okay to ignore immigration laws?” 

• Normal —  “When they needed to pander to the fastest-growing demographic of voters. 

“Weak-minded & irrational voters are easily duped into supporting a cause without understanding said cause. Politicians are without morals or principles, willing to push whatever narrative XYZ voter wants to hear.”

• IreneB — “They cannot help it. They were brainwashed with WOKE policies (especially in federally funded colleges).  Criminals have the right to be let back on our streets to commit more crimes. It is the residents of Asheville who do not have the right to live safely. But no more; common sense has stepped in. The people of Asheville need to be protected and I welcome ICE, National Guard, APD to step up and provide that protection we deserve.”

• DorothyTrace — “Remember the Civil War was about states rights vs. federal rights. The South wanted states’ rights, you dern Yankee.”

• BridgetBiden — “They wanted the right to own other people. I was born, raised and always lived in the South, but I’m glad we lost the Civil War.”

• DomBostich9 — “And which state had the largest fleet of ships used in the Triangular Trade?”

• Ihatemorons — “Lost bigly hahahahahaha.”

• Snydley — “Seek clarity about their intentions? I think it’s to enforce immigration law. It would be wrong of them not to.”

• LBKnecht — “Weak leadership. Either, protect American citizens regardless of whether they voted for you or, or not…or, just tell us now that our city/state is not worth protecting.

“You’ve seen the same reports that we have about how many ‘criminals’ in this state are here “illegally.” Stop placating politics and false narratives just to trigger your followers and irritate those who trust that we mean more to you than the criminals here illegally.”

• Oldman63 — “Yay! Make sure ice makes their way to Hendersonville.” 

• mountaingurl69 — Being here  illegally is crime or are  they  protecting criminals. Any public or private residents that interfere with ICE should be prosecuted... Regardless if you’re law enforcement or not.

EHemingway — “If Mayor Manhater, other civic leaders and the left-wing population will “respect the rule of law” by allowing ICE to enforce the immigration laws,  then everything will be as it should be.”  

• Liberalsareweak101 — “Amazing news! Come to a country legally. Learn the language and life IS great. You are one of us .

“Come to a country illegally — and you are a criminal on day one. You know it. Be an adult and accept your responsibility — or go back to your home country. It’s not a difficult decision for a responsible adult.”