Durham mayor and local leaders issue joint statement opposing immigration enforcement operations

Mayor Williams opened the Nov. 17 meeting by reading a joint statement — prepared with the city, school board and county commissioners — expressing alarm about recent reports of immigration enforcement operations in North Carolina. The statement said municipal leaders were "deeply troubled by recent news accounts of an increased presence of immigration officers in and around North Carolina" and that Durham "denounce[s] any effort that promotes exclusion, incites fear, undermines human rights, and compromises safety."

Multiple council members voiced support. Councilmember Caballero said Durham’s elected officials "stand up for immigrant rights" and urged residents to rely on verified hotlines and trainings. Councilmember Baker said immigrant communities are "the backbone of our city," and Councilmember Freeman described Durham as a welcoming place and thanked community mutual-aid efforts. The mayor said he would be discussing the issue publicly the next morning on national media and underscored the city’s commitment to "protect, uplift, and care for every resident who calls Durham home."

The statement and subsequent member remarks positioned the council collectively in opposition to enforcement actions that they said threaten community trust and safety. The mayor also used his opening time to note upcoming travel and community events and to introduce Emmanuel Ago as the mayor’s new special assistant.