Billy Berler, billy.berler@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Sierra Club and its North Carolina Chapter condemn a recent ICE operation at Wilson Creek Recreation Area in Pisgah National Forest that resulted in 13 arrests. According to reports, the July 26 operation was led by ICE in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service and the Caldwell Sheriff’s Office.
The operation raises broader concerns about access to federal lands. Bringing immigration enforcement into public recreation areas undermines the sense of safety and belonging that these spaces provide and could discourage people from visiting national forests and other outdoor spaces altogether.
This type of enforcement also comes as the Trump administration directs billions in new funding to ICE and rapidly expands 287(g) agreements, which allow local law enforcement agencies to carry out some immigration enforcement functions. This growing coordination with local sheriffs could bring similar operations to more communities and public recreation areas.
“When the Trump administration uses public lands for immigration enforcement, it sends a chilling message for families across the country,” said Jackie Ostfeld, director of the Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All campaign. “Public lands should be places where everyone can spend time with their families and feel welcome. The Forest Service has a responsibility to protect the outdoors, and its involvement in this operation undermines that responsibility.”
"Wilson Creek is a beloved place where North Carolinians go to enjoy the outdoors with their families,” said Chris Herndon, Chapter Director for Sierra Club North Carolina. “No one should have to fear that a day at the river could end in detention. We stand with the families affected and the local groups calling for answers."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.