North Carolina GOP Lawmaker Surprised as Anti-ICE Sheriff Struggles with Basic Civics Question
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A routine legislative hearing took an unexpected turn when North Carolina Republican state Rep. Allen Chesser expressed shock after Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden, a Democrat known for his opposition to cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was unable to correctly identify the branch of government under which he operates. The exchange occurred during a House Oversight Committee hearing focused on the recent tragic killing of Iryna Zarutska, a young Ukrainian woman in Charlotte.
Chesser asked McFadden, “What branch of government do you operate under?” to which the sheriff responded, “Mecklenburg County.” When pressed again, McFadden answered, “The Constitution of the United States,” but did not specify the executive branch, which is the correct answer for an elected sheriff. The lawmaker’s follow-up questions revealed McFadden’s continued confusion, prompting Chesser to remark that he had not expected to have to provide a “fifth-grade civics lesson” to a duly elected law enforcement official.
Sheriff McFadden’s stance against ICE cooperation has been a point of contention in North Carolina politics, reflecting broader national debates over immigration enforcement and local law enforcement’s role. The sheriff’s office has declined to honor certain federal immigration detainers, a policy that has drawn criticism from Republicans who argue it undermines federal law enforcement efforts.
The hearing also highlighted the complexities of local governance and law enforcement authority. Sheriffs in North Carolina are elected officials who operate under the executive branch of government, a fact that is foundational to understanding the separation of powers in the United States. The three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—serve distinct roles, with law enforcement agencies typically falling under the executive branch.
Rep. Chesser’s surprise at the sheriff’s response underscores ongoing concerns among some lawmakers about the level of civics knowledge among public officials. “I was not expecting to have to get into a fifth-grade civics lesson with a duly elected sheriff,” Chesser said after the hearing. This incident has sparked discussions about the importance of civic education and understanding governmental structures, especially among those in public service.
The hearing was convened amid heightened scrutiny of local law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement, a contentious issue that has seen varied policies across states and counties. The Department of Homeland Security continues to coordinate with local agencies, but cooperation levels differ widely. Mecklenburg County’s approach, under McFadden’s leadership, reflects a broader trend among some jurisdictions to limit collaboration with federal immigration authorities.
The incident has drawn attention from both political parties, with Republicans using it to question the competence and priorities of certain Democratic officials, while Democrats emphasize the importance of protecting immigrant communities and ensuring local law enforcement focuses on community safety rather than federal immigration enforcement.
This episode serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding immigration policy, local governance, and the critical need for public officials to possess a clear understanding of the government structures within which they operate. The North Carolina General Assembly continues to monitor these issues closely as the state approaches upcoming elections, where law enforcement policies and immigration stances are expected to be key campaign topics.
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