Durham Activists Protest ICE: Living in Fear

Protests Erupt in Downtown Durham Over ICE Raids

Over 100 protestors gathered in the heart of Downtown Durham to draw attention to the ongoing ICE raids taking place across the United States. The demonstration came in response to a recent incident at the Durham Courthouse, where the group Siembra raised concerns about the presence of multiple ICE agents. County officials claimed that several agents were seen at the courthouse, but the Durham Sheriff’s Office told ABC11 that only one agent was present, in uniform, searching for a convicted felon.

The controversy has prompted a response from the Durham Mayor, Leo Williams, who released a statement condemning the ICE presence inside the courthouse. “Our residents witnessed ICE agents in our community, instilling widespread fear and uncertainty,” he said. “While local leaders cannot legally override the federal government's use and weaponization of ICE, we can and must stand in strategic solidarity with our neighbors.”

The protest also highlighted the tragic death of Jaime Alanís Garcia in California. Garcia allegedly died during an immigration raid at a cannabis farm, a situation that has raised alarm among immigrant families in the Triangle region. Dr. Andrea Cazales, a local advocate, shared her personal fears. “If my parents call me, I’m scared my heart drops and I have to step away because my family is at risk of being taken away from me any single day. So I also, while doing the work that I love, I’m constantly fearful of what’s going on and how that might affect my family, my loved ones, and all the communities I have here in Durham.”

Concerns Over Due Process and Constitutional Rights

Advocates are raising questions about due process following the events at the courthouse. The Durham Sheriff’s Office clarified that the presence of ICE on Wednesday was not a raid, and the agents left after it became clear the person they were looking for was not there. However, this has sparked further debate over the rights of individuals involved in immigration cases.

Nida Allam, a member of the Durham County Board of Commissioners, emphasized the importance of protecting constitutional rights. “Everyone in this country has the right to be innocent until proven guilty. We should be fighting to protect that judicial system. Even if we have a case like today, where this individual didn’t even have their first court appearance, that is what they were showing up for. And they didn’t even have a chance to participate in any part of our judicial process. That’s a threat to all of us, to Americans, to citizens, to non-citizens, to everyone alike. If our federal agencies are acting in a way that takes away our liberties, that’s a problem.”

Rising ICE Arrests Across North Carolina

On Tuesday, the Trump Administration reported a surge in ICE arrests nationwide, including in North Carolina. According to data from the Deportation Data Project, there have been more than 1,800 ICE arrests across the state since January 2025. This increase has led to growing concerns among advocates and community leaders.

Natalie Beyer, a member of the Durham Public School Board, expressed her worries about the impact on families. “We really needed families to feel safe to be able to engage in public spaces, in schools, in hospitals and clinics, in courthouses so that they can take care of themselves and their families.”

Calls for Transparency and Accountability

Eyewitness News has requested statements from federal offices and the Durham District Attorney to confirm the identity of the individual involved and his prior arrest records. The ongoing dialogue between local officials, advocacy groups, and the federal government highlights the complex and sensitive nature of immigration enforcement.

As protests continue in Durham and across the country, the conversation surrounding ICE raids and the rights of immigrants remains a critical issue. With families and communities feeling the effects of these actions, the need for transparency, due process, and protection of constitutional rights becomes increasingly urgent.