Immigration Agents NC | Customs and Border agents spotted near businesses, apartments in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Morrisville
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Less than a full day after ABC11 confirmed that federal agents with Customs and Border Protection were coming to the Triangle, they were spotted in some areas Tuesday morning.
ABC11 confirmed Tuesday afternoon that CBP agents are scrapping the Raleigh portion of their immigration enforcement plan and will be staying in Charlotte.
Customs Border agents in Cary on Tuesday morning on Nov. 18, 2025.
People in Cary, Durham and other places started sharing photos and videos with ABC11 of agents being spotted outside of businesses. In a photo outside a business in Cary, one person was in handcuffs and being escorted by what appears to be a Customs and Border Protection agent.
Customs Border agents in Cary on Tuesday morning on Nov. 18, 2025.
Video from a neighbor in the Pointe at Midtown Apartment in North Hills. Multiple residents told ABC11’s Jon Dowding they saw federal agents pull into the complex in bulletproof vests around 10:30 Tuesday morning.
Juan Pablo Vazquez says he first saw the agents pull up in vans.
“I realized it was them and that they were here in the neighborhood. Immediately, they started to go after someone, and I started recording video. I told my neighbor to let others know they were here to start rounding up people,” he said. “It’s not a game. These agents are here, coming into our community.”
A woman, who asked not to be identified, recorded a video and shared it with AB11 showing agents walking around her building.
They say they saw agents walk around buildings, and later arrested at least one person.
“They got out of their vans and started making their way towards our apartment. And the agents started running after people,” she said.
Community groups have begun responding to neighborhoods and apartments where activity by federal agents has been seen.
Education Justice Alliance Co-Executive Director Letha Muhammad says many people she’s spoken to just want to help.
“To be out in the community, to be eyes and ears, to let us know what’s happening out there so that we can help people not just be living in fear,” she said.
Brava NC Founder & Executive Director Iliana Santillan says now is the time to support immigrant-owned businesses.
“Go out to eat, go buy groceries at one of the stores, go explore,” she said. “The ask is for anybody who’s willing and able to go out and go in the streets and see what’s going on. Build community with our folks.”
Also, a homeowner in Durham shared Ring cam video of agents arresting someone.
A homeowner shared Ring cam video of CBP agents making an arrest in Durham.
Although their main target remains to be Charlotte, Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell did confirm Monday night to ABC11 that federal agents will be in Raleigh on Tuesday.
“As the capital city, it is important to us that everyone who lives, works, plays, and learns in Raleigh feels safe,” Cowell said in a statement. “We have been made aware that Customs and Border Protection are coming to Raleigh. While the Raleigh Police Department is not involved in immigration enforcement, we are committed to protecting our residents and to following the law. I can confirm that RPD has not participated in any immigration planning activities.”
On Sunday in Raleigh, hundreds of people marched from Moore Square to the State Capitol in downtown Raleigh to protest what they saw happening in Charlotte.
While many of the raids in Charlotte targeted Hispanic-owned businesses, Morrisville Councilmember Steve Rao tells ABC11 he’s worried about the possible effects on Morrisville’s large South Asian population.
“So there is this fear and uncertainty about how you’re treated, how you’re handled,” Rao said. “I think many Indian-Americans are here legally on skilled immigration visas. There’s been concerns about fees being increased to $100,000 from $5,000 for applying for those. And if there are people here illegally, whether their paperwork has transpired or whatever, these people need to know their rights.”
Cary businesses close amid enforcement concern
In Cary’s Chatham Square, an otherwise vibrant hub of commerce for international businesses, sales were on the decline as many establishments were shuttered.
Some Cary business owners say they were concerned after federal agents were spotted in the Triangle.
While some remained open, many said they were closed because of fear of reported immigration enforcement in the area.
“We’re making sure that somebody who is coming in isn’t trying to cause any issues,” said business owner Esmeralda Angel.
Her business was verifying who attempted to enter the business. “Just so they don’t have to expose themselves because unfortunately right now instead of going after somebody unlawful, it’s racial profiling more than anything,” she said.
Meanwhile, other ethnic-minority community members were also remaining vigilant.
“With CBP coming to town, it just it’s creating that culture of fear,” said Shruti Parikh with North Carolina Asian Americans Together. “People are afraid to go about their daily lives. And that’s really not what we want to see. Immigrants belong here. And we are definitely a part of the community. And it’s not fair that everyone that the immigrant community should be scared, and we should. We deserve the dignity of living a full life.”
ABC11 has not confirmed any ICE activity in western Wake County.
“Look, that business is closed,” said Faycil Bachir, who is of Algerian descent and is living in the United States with a resident card. “That business is closed. And the nail salon is closed. It’s sad to see stuff like that.”
Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App
Copyright © 2025 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.
