DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Durham business owners and leaders in Lakewood are on high alert one day after federal immigration agents expanded their operations from Charlotte to the Triangle. Several of them are using whistles to alert the community if ICE is spotted.
“There’s a long-sustained blow that signals that ICE is actually detaining and trying to disappear someone,” said Tiffany Griffin, owner of Bright Black.
“There’s a blow with pauses that signals that ICE is in the area.”
One customer picked up a whistle before she left.
“We never know where ICE will be and I’m prepared to blow my whistle,” said Joy Woolfolk-Royster.
Doors down at the Lincoln Community Health Center, staffers told Eyewitness News they believe people aren’t coming in for their doctor’s appointments out of fear.
The Catholic Charities Durham Community Food Pantry is situated next door and they saw a 30% drop in clients Wednesday.
“We have a heavy Hispanic population,” said Sue Williams.
“We’re at say 132 people, but normally at this time we’d be at 170.”
It was an empty lobby inside as Williams said fewer people showed up out of fear. She walked ABC11 through the pantry as volunteers prepared bags.
“We are on alert. We have ICE watchers on the peripheral of the parking lot and we have whistles in tow in case there is a problem,” she said.
While Williams said the mission is to serve the community, she said they’ve created strategies aimed at protecting staffers and clients. One strategy includes dropping food to those who are too fearful to come.
“It’s important that they eat and have food. Not just for the holidays, but in general,” she said.
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