Representative Deb Butler holds a press conference to condemn ICE raids

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– Sounds of discontent on the steps of the 1898 Memorial Park in Wilmington. People surrounded representative Deb Butler, as they are outraged about the federal government crackdown and roundup of illegal immigrants.

“These folks are here to condemn it. These are hardworking, law abiding, tax paying neighbors, and we can’t believe the unconstitutional violations we are seeing. It’s causing turmoil, strife, chaos, and separating families. We don’t want it here in North Carolina,” said Butler.

Butler held a press conference to condemn the raids in Raleigh and Charlotte.  New statistics, from the watchdog organization, Deportation Data Project, claims immigration arrests in North Carolina tripled since the start of the Trump administration.

Eric Davis, Chair of North Carolina’s Board of Education, is also criticizing the surge. He is claiming it is taking a toll in the classroom.

“Families across North Carolina, particularly in Charlotte and Raleigh, have experienced fear and disruption from recent so-called immigration enforcement actions. It disrupts what the law requires, that we educate every student. In some schools, absences have doubled,” said Davis.

ICE agents are now turning their direction towards Minnesota, focusing on immigrants from Somalia an African country skewered by President Trump.

“Somalia is considered by many to be the worst country on earth. I haven’t been there.  I won’t be there anytime soon, I hope. What the Somalian people have done to Minnesota, is not even believable,” said President Trump.

A High Point University poll says, fifty percent approve Trumps handling securing the southern border, thirty-seven disapprove, and thirteen are unsure. It’s obvious where Butler would stand on this issue.

“If you are an undocumented person, that is not a crime. If you are an undocumented person, and you commit a crime, you should be deported. Otherwise, you are guilty of nothing,” said Butler.