ICE Conducts Raids In Durham, Indians Picked Up

India-West News Desk

DURHAM, NC – A recent immigration raid in Durham has intensified concerns within the Triangle’s large Indian American community, as the Trump administration continues its crackdown on illegal immigration.

According to ABC News, neighbors in a north Durham neighborhood recorded video of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detaining three men believed to be of Indian origin. The footage shows ICE officers swarming a car and later entering a home. In total, ABC News confirmed that 11 individuals were taken into custody during multiple raids in the area.

“It always makes you anxious when people are coming in, visiting homes, and taking people into custody without knowing where they are. These are people we’ve known in our community,” Morrisville Councilmember Steve Rao told ABC News.

Rao highlighted the challenges faced by the region’s tech industry, where many companies rely on highly skilled H-1B visa holders. He noted that an expired visa or an overstay can quickly alter someone’s legal status, putting them at risk of deportation.

“I think it’s really important for businesses to learn from this and ensure they conduct thorough background checks, verify legal immigration status, and confirm that all paperwork is in order before hiring,” he said.

Community members also expressed concern over ICE’s tactics, particularly the practice of raiding homes. Many fear such operations create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, further straining trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, ABC News said.