(NewsNation) — The man leading immigration enforcement in Chicago will leave the Windy City on Wednesday, sources confirmed to NewsNation. He will take members of his team to Charlotte, North Carolina, and then New Orleans.
Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino has led operations in Los Angeles and Chicago this year. His team is currently in the Windy City but is slated to leave soon, sources confirmed.
It was unclear when Bovino will begin work in Charlotte, but sources said it will be a brief stint before a longer mission in New Orleans.
Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin on Tuesday said, “We’re not going anywhere,” in response to a question about Bovino’s location, but did not directly comment on his plans.
In a statement issued to NewsNation on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said the local law enforcement agency has no authority to enforce federal immigration laws.
The department does not participate in Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, nor is it involved in the planning of federal operations, the spokesperson said.
“CMPD will become involved in situations where there is criminal behavior or criminal warrants that fall under our jurisdiction,” the department statement said. “CMPD remains committed to keeping the peace, ensuring public safety and maintaining trust with all members of our community.”
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, who was recently re-elected for a fifth term, said in a statement issued to NewsNation that she is aware of reports of immigration enforcement operations that may be coming to Charlotte.
However, she said that many rumors exist that have not been verified. She said she wants to avoid causing “additional alarm in an uncertain environment.”
First and foremost: Every person who lives, works, studies or visits our city deserves to feel safe, respected and protected under the law,” Lyles said. “Charlotte is a strong and welcoming community—rooted in respect for the inherent dignity of all people.
She added, “Charlotte is committed to following the law and to protecting the rights of all people who call our city home. Our police department continues to focus on keeping our neighborhoods safe and maintaining public trust. We remain dedicated to fair and lawful policing for everyone.”
Bovino has drawn the ire of Illinois’ Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker over his tactics. Bovino testified he tossed tear gas at a protester in response to a rock being thrown at him, though video showed the rock was thrown after he tossed the tear gas.
Even after Bovino leaves Chicago, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and other Border Patrol teams will remain in the city.
Bovino said in a sworn deposition that he oversees more than 200 Border Patrol agents who were assigned to the Chicago area in early September. Since then, DHS officials have reported more than 3,000 arrests as part of the federal presence, dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz.”
NewsNation’s Jeff Arnold contributed to this report.