CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Hundreds of protesters filled the streets of Uptown Charlotte Monday to protest the ICE raids that have been taking place across North Carolina.

  • In the last few weeks nearly 200 immigrants have been arrested by ICE in the state.
  • Johnson C. Smith student Sheila Garcia was born in the U.S. Her parents immigrated from Mexico more than 20 years ago.
  • The NC Congress of Latino Organizations hosted a community-wide meeting with Sheriff Gary McFadden Monday night.

In the last few weeks nearly 200 immigrants have been arrested by ICE in the state.

Johnson C. Smith student Sheila Garcia was born in the U.S. Her parents immigrated from Mexico more than 20 years ago.

“I have had family deported, and that’s why I’m here because I wouldn’t want any other family to go through that. And it’s so upsetting I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through that,” said Garcia.

She says each day she lives in fear that her parents or friends may not come home.

“It’s as simple as having to text them, ‘Hey are you at work?' just because I’m afraid they may be stopped and ICE is there or my dad who is a construction worker, he’s a huge target,” she said.

But as the raids and talks of a border wall continue, Garcia says she's just happy to have so many protesters by her side.

The NC Congress of Latino Organizations hosted a community-wide meeting with Sheriff Gary McFadden Monday night. They hope that by meeting with the sheriff, they can strengthen community relations when it comes to raids.