In response to federal immigration enforcement officers’ presence in the Triangle this week, businesses in the greater Orange County community are taking different approaches to the atmosphere their employees may face.
With U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and Customs and Border Patrol agents searching for undocumented immigrants as part of President Donald Trump’s administration’s focus on deportations, employers in the community are following the tact of some immigrant-run or popular businesses in Charlotte after federal officers arrived over the weekend.
At least one business in Chapel Hill — Rasa Malaysia in Southern Village — shared with customers that it is closed on Wednesday “due to safety concerns in the area.” Many others are choosing to continue operations or work around any staffing changes — and to help, the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro shared some tips and resources for employers to use.
Citing its past help with guidance for working with federal agencies like the IRS and OSHA, President and CEO of the Chamber Aaron Nelson sent an alert to members on Tuesday night with information on how to interact with ICE and Border Patrol. He recommended every business owner and managed be prepared to interact with federal law enforcement, both in emergencies and amid targeted waves like their current sweep in North Carolina.
“We recognize this is a complex and sensitive issue,” wrote Nelson. “The Chamber is here to provide factual, legally grounded information to our members and facilitate connections to helpful resources. We will continue to closely monitor developments and working with local governments and local business and community leaders to gather and share information to support our local employers and their employees.”
The Chamber for a Greater-Chapel Hill Carrboro recommends studying a workplace’s rights under the U.S. Constitution’s Fourth Amendment to protect all employees — regardless of their immigration status — amid unconstitutional search and seizure efforts. One example: law enforcement is required to have a judicial warrant, signed by a federal or state judge, to enter a place of business. The statewide nonprofit Siembra NC has compiled toolkits about Fourth Amendment Workplace rights, which the chamber linked.
Additionally, Tuesday’s message to chamber members linked the National Immigration Law Center’s Guide for Employers, which includes recommendations like creating a written response ahead of time to federal law enforcement and training staff to not directly interact or let ICE officers enter a business’ premise.
The Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties also sent out an alert to members on Tuesday saying it was “standing with our Hispanic workforce during increased ICE activity in the Triangle.” President and CEO Holly Fraccaro encouraged members of the trade group to stay informed, calm and connected to trusted sources amid the presence of ICE and Border Patrol agents.
“This is creating intense fear and uncertainty for our Hispanic neighbors, co-workers, and friends — regardless of status,” she wrote. “Our construction industry relies deeply on Latino talent, and we have a responsibility to protect the dignity, safety, and rights of the people who build this community.”
Fraccaro recommended HBA members share resources like El Centro Hispano’s “Know Your Rights” guide and the NILC’s Guide for Employers with their teams, as well as letting Latine employees and subcontractors know the employers care about their safety.
“We are committed to using our voice and our platform to support the people who power our industry,” Fraccaro said. “This is a moment for solidarity, compassion, and leadership in the building community.”
Additional resources for those looking to track ICE activity, know your rights and more can use Chapelboro’s guide compiled from trusted organizations.
Featured photo via Mikhail Nilov.
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.
