This issue is personal to me because immigrant families are part of our community. No one should live in fear of being detained or separated from their loved ones. It is critical that our mayor and local government act now to ensure that city resources are used to foster safety, dignity, and due process for every person living in Cary.

 

Cary, NC, is a vibrant place known for its diversity and strong sense of community. Immigrants contribute immensely to our local economy and cultural richness, creating a more dynamic and prosperous environment for everyone who lives here. However, the fear surrounding immigration enforcement has left many of our friends, neighbors, and colleagues living with anxiety and uncertainty. This weakens trust between communities and public institutions and ultimately harms public safety.

 

More than 10% of Cary’s population is made up of immigrants, and they deserve to live with safety and dignity. According to American Community Survey data, immigrants contribute significantly to North Carolina’s economy, paying billions in state and local taxes and helping power thousands of businesses across the state.

 

While local governments cannot stop federal immigration enforcement, the Mayor of Cary and town council can still take meaningful steps to support immigrant residents and strengthen trust in our community. These actions include investing in “Know Your Rights” education so residents understand their constitutional protections, supporting local nonprofit organizations that provide legal aid and services to immigrant families, strengthening language access so residents can safely interact with city services, and ensuring that local law enforcement remains focused on community safety and crime prevention rather than civil immigration enforcement whenever legally possible.

 

Cary can also establish advisory partnerships with immigrant community leaders and advocacy organizations to ensure that policies reflect the needs of all residents. By investing in education, community partnerships, and inclusive services, our city can reinforce the principle that everyone who lives here deserves dignity, fairness, and access to support.

 

These steps help build trust between residents and local institutions, strengthen community safety, and ensure that Cary remains a welcoming place where families can live, work, and contribute without fear.

 

 

 

 

Sources:

U.S. Census Bureau – American Community Survey

American Immigration Council – “Immigrants in North Carolina” report

North Carolina General Statutes 160A-205.2 (limitations on sanctuary policies)