Janet Cowell

Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell says she doesn't know how long the operation will last.

She says crime is down in North Carolina's capital city and a federal presence is not needed.

In a statement, Cowell asks Raleigh residents to quote, remember our values and maintain peace and respect through any upcoming challenges.

Border Patrol and ICE agents began a sweep through Charlotte over the weekend.

The Department of Homeland Security has said it's focusing on North Carolina because of what it calls sanctuary policies that it says limit cooperation between local authorities and immigration agents.