(DCNF)—Community activists in Charlotte, N.C. are ramping up their efforts to counter federal immigration enforcement, turning church basements into training grounds where volunteers literally role-play as illegal immigrants.
Dilworth United Methodist Church overflowed Monday night as Siembra N.C. hosted an “ICE and Border Patrol Watch” session, WBTV reported. Trainers walked attendees through step-by-step exercises on how to track federal agents, film detainment encounters, and alert neighborhoods when immigration officers appear in the area.
Volunteers acted out mock arrest scenarios while trainees practiced recording the encounters, shouting scripted warnings, and instructing “detainees” on what to say when approached by law enforcement. The drills included everything from using whistles to signal ICE’s presence to role-play demonstrations featuring mostly liberal white women pretending to be migrants in custody.
“I’m here tonight to try to learn what I can do. I’ve never participated in this kind of direct action before,” said Donna Lanclos, a Charlotte resident who attended the training. She admitted she worried the real-world confrontations could turn violent but said the gathering created a sense of unity.
“I am worried about the violence. It was really good to share with people about what we’re worried about, and it felt like we’re real stronger together,” Lanclos said.
Training materials instructed volunteers to escort immigrants to school or work, document federal enforcement activity, and monitor potential violations of the First, Fourth and Fifth Amendments. Organizers repeatedly stressed volunteers’ “rights” when filming federal agents.
The Rev. Joel Simpson praised the turnout, telling MS NOW that the crowd’s presence reflected the community’s commitment to looking out for one another.
“It makes me grateful and reminds me of how much our community loves each other and wants to support that,” Simpson said. “People don’t come out on Monday nights to anything, and so the fact that people are showing up right now and spending their valuable time to learn how to care for each other and protect each other.”
Attorney Tim Emry said the training was an opportunity for residents to learn how to recognize border patrol agents in the field.
“It’s an opportunity to get trained, to understand how to recognize Border Patrol agents when they’re out in the field, to utilize a whistle or other devices, very old-fashioned, to simply alert people to their presence,” Emry told WBTV.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched Operation Charlotte’s Web on Saturday, an enforcement sweep that left 81 people arrested on its first day. Federal officials say the effort targets criminal migrants who took advantage of North Carolina’s sanctuary-style policies.
Chief Border Patrol Agent Greg Bovino led the weekend operation, after overseeing similar deportation raids in Los Angeles and Chicago. As Operation Charlotte’s Web ramped up over the weekend, Bovino posted photos on X showing agents arresting illegal immigrants with violent criminal records.
“Americans should be able to live without fear of violent criminal illegal aliens hurting them, their families, or their neighbors,” DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.
DHS did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.