DAVIDSON, NC (LOOTPRESS) – The Town of Davidson announced this week that Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden notified local officials of the impending arrival of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel in the Charlotte area as early as this weekend or early next week.
In response, Davidson Police Chief Philip Geiger issued a public statement underscoring the department’s commitment to serving all residents—regardless of immigration status—and clarifying the role of local police in immigration-related matters.
Geiger emphasized that the Davidson Police Department’s mission remains focused on community safety, crime prevention, and maintaining trust between officers and residents. He stressed that immigration enforcement “is not a function of the Davidson Police Department,” noting that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and federal agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and CBP.
“As a municipal law enforcement agency, the Davidson Police Department does not conduct immigration investigations or initiate inquiries into a person’s citizenship or immigration status during routine policing activities,” Geiger said.
The department will notify or coordinate with immigration authorities only when required by law or in cases involving serious criminal offenses that warrant federal involvement. Routine violations, traffic stops, or general crime reports will not trigger immigration-related inquiries, according to the statement.
Geiger also encouraged residents—regardless of background or legal status—to feel safe reporting crimes, seeking assistance, or serving as witnesses. He stressed that fear of immigration consequences should never deter someone from calling 911. “Victims and witnesses play a critical role in helping us keep Davidson safe,” he said.
The statement further highlighted that victims of certain crimes who assist law enforcement may be eligible for a U Visa, a federal program that provides immigration protections to victims cooperating with police. The Davidson Police Department will continue to support qualifying applicants by providing necessary certification when appropriate.
Reaffirming the department’s guiding principles of trust, safety, and respect, Geiger said the agency remains committed to fair and impartial policing that upholds the rights and dignity of every member of the community.
