The Wake County Democratic Party said recent reports indicate federal immigration agents have largely left Raleigh, following earlier unconfirmed information the city received. Additionally, NC State Police reported no known federal agent activity on campus.

The Wake County Democratic Party said in a statement that recent reports suggest most ICE and CBP agents who arrived Monday “are no longer in Wake County,” though local officials do not yet have formal confirmation. The party urged residents to remain alert, but said “for now, things appear to be calm again.

The Democratic Party praised the response from the community.

“While this has been a terrible disruption for our communities, the collective response we witnessed was extraordinary,” the Party wrote. “People looked out for their neighbors, shared information responsibly and refused to be intimidated.”

“That’s who we are. That’s how we do things here,” the Party wrote.

Lauren Barker, senior media relations strategist at NC State, said in a statement to Technician that the NC State University Police Department is unaware of any immigration enforcement activities taking place on campus.

“At this time, we have no knowledge of any immigration enforcement activity on NC State’s campus,” Barker wrote. “Reports of federal immigration agent sightings are not always credible and can quickly spread online. NC State University Police has no involvement in immigration removal proceedings.”

As federal immigration operations entered a second day in Raleigh, community response has grown and reports have been circulating over whether local deployments had paused.

Julia Milstead, public information officer for the city of Raleigh, said the city had received unconfirmed reports that operations were suspended.

“Official information should come from DHS,” Milstead wrote. “We have heard that operations here are suspended, but our information is not official.”

Technician has reached out to multiple contacts within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the NC State Police Department for statements.

Robert Brisley, CBP press officer whose region includes North Carolina, issued a statement to Technician, underscoring the progress of operations in Charlotte, after being asked about the status of CBP deployment in Raleigh. 

“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and federal agencies continue to target some of the most dangerous criminal illegal aliens as Operation Charlotte’s Web progresses,” Brisley wrote. “This immigration enforcement surge in the Charlotte area has led to the arrest of over 250 illegal aliens as of the evening of 11/18.”

When pressed on the status of deployments in Raleigh, Brisley shared a statement from DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

“Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country. We do not discuss future or potential operations,” McLaughlin wrote. 

Hundreds of protestors gathered Downtown Raleigh Tuesday night to demonstrate against the deployment. WRAL reported no arrests.

Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell, in a statement shared with Technician Monday night, called for safety and unity amid a looming federal immigration enforcement deployment.

“As the capital city, it is important to us that everyone who lives, works, plays and learns in Raleigh feels safe,” Cowell said. 

Cowell reaffirmed that the police department has not participated in any immigration planning activities and emphasized that Raleigh remains a safe city, citing year-over-year declines in crime.

“While the Raleigh Police Department is not involved in immigration enforcement, we are committed to protecting our residents and to following the law,” Cowell wrote.

Cowell encouraged unity as the city prepares for federal activity.

“This is a key moment to reaffirm our commitment to serving all members of our community,” Cowell said. “If you need help from the police, you call 911, and help will come. I ask Raleigh to remember our values and maintain peace and respect through any upcoming challenges. Together we are Raleigh Strong.”

Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell confirmed that federal immigration agents are now in Raleigh and plan to begin operations Tuesday, according to a new WRAL report.

Cowell said Raleigh officials did not request assistance from federal immigration agents and are not participating in their operations. She said Raleigh officials are unaware of potential targets or when agents are expected to complete their actions.

In a statement provided to WRAL, Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe said his office has not received notification from federal agencies but urged residents not to confront enforcement personnel.

“However, if any operation or activity should occur, I kindly ask all residents to refrain from engaging or confronting Border Control personnel and allow them to carry out their official duties,” Rowe wrote.