ICE Identifies Four Men Detained Outside Mecklenburg County Courthouse

ICE apprehended four individuals near the Mecklenburg County Courthouse on Wednesday, as confirmed by an ICE representative to Channel 9. Upon reviewing court documents, Channel 9 found that two of those detained had matters pending at the courthouse that very day.

ICE reported that their agents carried out specific arrests near the courthouse, apprehending Oscar Lopez-Lopez, Jose Ortiz-Ortiz, Jose Nicolas-Martinez, and Miguel Sanchez-Vega. According to ICE, these individuals were detained peacefully.

Channel 9 examined judicial documents and found out that Lopez and Ortiz were scheduled for court appearances in Mecklenburg County on Wednesday. Ortiz faced charges related to simple assault after allegedly biting another person's thumb; however, these allegations did not proceed as the local district attorney declined prosecution later that day citing an absence of a key witness. Meanwhile, Lopez appeared before the courts regarding accusations of committing acts of domestic violence against his partner, including causing her to lose consciousness. Yet, similar to Ortiz’s case, prosecutors decided to drop those charges too by the end of the same day owing to inadequate proof supporting them.

Channel 9 could not confirm any documented criminal background for the two additional individuals taken into custody by ICE.

As per ICE, Lopez and Ortiz had earlier faced detainers; however, these "weren't enforced by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office."

The court documents indicate that a 48-hour hold was placed on Lopez as of January 15th. After the initial period ended, Lopez was freed without posting bond on January 21st. Along with the temporary detention order, an additional request is made for the arresting authority to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before releasing the individual. However, according to ICE, Mecklenburg County refrains from making such notifications. Sheriff Garry McFadden had earlier informed Channel 9 that he isn’t obligated under current laws to do so. Furthermore, Speaker Destin Hall is proposing legislation aimed at altering this practice.

The document states that Lopez is from Honduras.

Ortiz does not have a detainer listed in the court records. His initial arrest took place in 2023. According to North Carolina laws, sheriffs were not obligated to comply with detainers until December 2024. It was around this time that Mecklenburg County began making detainers visible online in their court records as well.

Channel 9 could not confirm the criminal background of Jose Nicolas-Martinez and Miguel Sanchez-Vega. It remains uncertain whether they were also conducting business at the courthouse on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Sheriff Garry McFadden observed an arrest conducted by ICE. In an interview with Channel 9, he mentioned giving his private cellphone number to the officers who made the arrest, requesting them to notify him prior to any further arrests happening away from the courthouse in the future. This measure aims to prevent disruptions during judicial processes. According to Sheriff McFadden, he anticipates that actions related to immigration enforcement around the courthouse will persist.

I anticipate this occurring once more," Sheriff McFadden stated. "We will be getting ready for it and engaging in discussions with the community, our collaborators, and other police departments.

Sheriff McFadden is formulating a strategy for upcoming arrest procedures.

An ICE representative confirmed the sheriff's engagement with their agents on Wednesday and expressed appreciation for this communication.

During the ongoing operation, ICE officials were consulted by the MCSO Sheriff, who sought information regarding the enforcement activity and showed an eagerness to explore potential avenues for cooperation moving forward," stated an ICE representative. "Recently, ICE leaders reached out to Sheriff McFadden and remain committed to fostering a connection with the MCSO. They also welcome productive discussions with various local law enforcement agencies to enhance community safety.

The Carolina Migrant Network has voiced concerns over arrest incidents at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse. They fear this may intimidate individuals from participating in court hearings and coming to the courthouse altogether.

We must keep in mind that Mecklenburg County serves purposes beyond handling criminal cases," stated founder Stefanía Arteaga. "It also includes small claims courts where individuals can settle disputes. There are those seeking to marry through legal proceedings as well. If community members do not feel secure using these services, it could affect various aspects of our local society.

(VIDEO: Man arrested by ICE pleads guilty in court)