Durham community groups call on Duke, other institutions to protect immigrant workers

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Wednesday morning marked the latest pushback in the Triangle against the federal immigration crackdown.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents were on the ground in the Triangle area Tuesday after an immigration enforcement surge in Charlotte that resulted in the arrests of over 250 illegal immigrants.

This has sparked fear and protests.

On Wednesday, several Durham community groups urged Duke University, employers, and other institutions to protect residents amid concerns over recent immigration enforcement actions.

A joint press conference was held outside Duke Regional Hospital on North Roxboro Street, an area with a significant Hispanic population. People from Durham Rising, Siembra NC, NCAE, and the Duke Grad Students Union were in attendance.

"People are scared to leave their home. They're scared to take their children to school. That's a shame," said activist Mama Cookie, who is part of the Union of Southern Service Workers. "These raids open the doors for racial profiling that impacts all of us. And not just the Latino community, but impacts all communities."

Organizers also called on Durham companies and institutions to train their staff on constitutional rights and to require federal agents to present judicial warrants before entering private areas.

Duke Health and Duke University responded to the protest with a statement:

"We understand the fear and uncertainty that ongoing immigration-related activity has created in our community. Duke remains committed to supporting the safety, dignity, and well-being of all members of our community - patients, students, employees, and visitors - regardless of immigration status.

Our hospitals and clinics are places of healing, and we follow strict federal and state privacy laws, including HIPAA, to protect patient and staff confidentiality. We do not collect immigration status as part of patient care and have established protocols to ensure any law-enforcement activity on our premises complies with legal standards and does not disrupt care."