Hundreds protest Border Patrol in Raleigh, calling for end to 'brutal attack'

Kyle Ingram, Dawn Vaughan and Josh Shaffer, The News & Observer (Raleigh) on Nov 18, 2025

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Hundreds of protesters filled Moore Square on Tuesday demanding an end to federal immigration raids in Raleigh and across the Triangle region, calling them a “direct brutal attack” on family and friends.

They carried signs in English and Spanish objecting to the U.S. Border Patrol’s presence, which began Tuesday.

Among the slogans:

“Racists ain’t safe in the Dirty South,” and: “For everyone that you arrest, a hundred more will show up next.”

Immigration rights groups confirmed federal agents detained at least 12 Triangle residents Tuesday, including inside Raleigh, Durham and Cary.

This comes after Border Patrol agents arrested more than 200 people in Charlotte between Saturday and Monday. The Department of Homeland Security listed arrests for gang membership, assault and weapons charges for some of them.

One organizer fought back tears and told the crowd, “It is a direct, brutal attack on friends and families like mine and yours.”

Emma DeJoseph, a 16-year-old high school student from Zebulon, dressed in a toilet costume with a sign saying “Flush ICE,” a similar federal agency.

She said she finished her homework and headed to the protest with her mother.

“It’s scary right now, scary times,” DeJoseph’s mother, Alisa, said. “So to come out and help support people who are afraid to support themselves, is really important.”

Cars passed the downtown square, honking in approval.

Behind the protesters, Raleigh’s yet-unlit Christmas tree provided a backdrop — a star at its top.

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