Immigration Response and Resources
Stonewall Sports Charlotte Board Statement
As the Board of Stonewall Sports Charlotte, we recognize the impact that ICE and CBP presence may have on members of our community. We echo our National Board’s commitment to player safety and ensuring everyone knows their rights. To support this, we have compiled information from our winter sports complexes, local government, and community resources that may be helpful to our players.
While this information is not exhaustive and cannot guarantee that players will not be affected by ICE or CBP, we want you to know that you have our full support. We will continue to update players as we receive more information about our spring, summer, and fall facilities.
Additionally, the Board hopes that community members feel empowered to share concerns with us, trusted Sports Leads, and/or captains. If you have questions, please reach out to our DEI Director, Colton Brown, at charlotte.dei@stonewallsports.org.
Summary of Our Sports Locations
UNC Charlotte
While playing a Stonewall sport at UNC Charlotte, players are afforded the same protections as students, faculty, and staff. This means all applicable university campus laws and regulations apply to us, in the event ICE/CBP are present. It is recommended that all players consider saving the campus police phone numbers, as they often can respond to situations quicker than the broader Charlotte PD.
Emergency: 704-387-2200
Non-Emergency: 704-687-8300
UNC Charlotte Chancellor Statement: Information about recent executive orders – University Leadership
Pickleball Charlotte
While playing a Stonewall sport at Pickleball Charlotte, it is recommended that players be aware that private businesses are affected differently than public spaces. They reinforced that they will comply with all laws and regulations. Pickleball Charlotte affirmed that they are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment for all players and verified they do not collect information on immigration status of any participants.
Pritchard Church
While playing a Stonewall sport at Pritchard Church, players need to be aware of a recent court ruling that affirmed the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s (CBF) ability to deny ICE/CBP to enter worship premises unless presented with a proper warrant. Pritchard affirmed both their and CBF’s commitment to immigrant communities.
CBF Statement: CBF statement on court order blocking ICE enforcement at houses of worship – CBF
NoDa Brewing Company
While playing a Stonewall Sport at NoDa Brewing Company, they would like us to know they are “…committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and affirming space for all guests, including immigrant and LGBTQ+ community members. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core to who we (NoDa Brewing) are, and that commitment extends to the organizations and individuals who use our spaces.”
From a legal standpoint, their understanding is that ICE or Border Patrol cannot enter private areas of their premises without a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge. In the absence of such a warrant, they would turn them away and not grant access to non-public spaces, as they shared they have done before. “The owners firmly state that ice is not welcome anywhere near our property.”
City Council Responses
Budget, Governance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee – November 17, 2025
National Immigration Justice Center
Know Your Rights: If You Encounter ICE – National Immigrant Justice Center
Stonewall Sports National Board Statement
Stonewall Sports Inc. stands in solidarity with immigrant communities impacted by ongoing ICE raids across the United States. Stonewall Sports Inc. is open to everyone and grounded in the belief that all people deserve dignity, safety, and belonging. According to guidance from the ACLU, individuals have rights when interacting with immigration enforcement, including the right to remain silent, the right to refuse entry without a valid judicial warrant, and, in many cases, the right to record ICE activity in public spaces as long as it does not interfere with enforcement.
Above all, we encourage people to use their best judgment and prioritize safety. Interactions with law enforcement can be unpredictable, and no action should put you or others at risk. If you choose to observe or record, do so calmly, from a safe distance, and without escalation.
We also encourage chapters and players to check in with the management of the facilities where they play. It is important to understand whether a facility has a plan in place should ICE or other law enforcement enter a space during a Stonewall-affiliated game or event.
Stonewall Sports Inc. remains committed to creating inclusive, affirming spaces where all people can live, work, and play without fear.
ACLU Resources
At Your Home
No individuals, regardless of status, are required to open their doors to ICE or other law enforcement unless they present a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge. You have the right to ask agents to slide the warrant under the door so you can review it before opening. An administrative or ICE warrant alone does not require you to open your door. If agents enter without proper authorization, do not resist, but clearly state that you do not consent to the entry or any search, that you are exercising your right to remain silent, and that you wish to speak with a lawyer. Communicating through a closed door is generally the safest option.
In Public or During Play
If approached by ICE or other law enforcement in a public space or league facility, remain calm. You have the right to remain silent and do not need to answer questions. You may ask if you are being detained or if you are free to leave. If you are free to leave, you may do so calmly. Do not interfere with enforcement actions or obstruct officers. If detained or arrested, clearly state that you wish to speak with a lawyer. In the event this occurs at a Stonewall Sports event, the local Sports Director should be notified immediately, and they will coordinate with local leadership to inform the National Executive Board as soon as possible.
U.S. citizens generally have the right to observe and record law enforcement activity in public spaces, as long as they do not interfere or escalate the situation. In the event that the ICE presence at or near a Stonewall athletic event is thick and rife with officers, protestors, and other activity, it can be at the discretion of the local chapter leadership to cancel the event in the interest of player safety. Players should be notified as soon as possible through the best available direct Channels.
General Preparedness and Community Safety
Use your best judgment and prioritize your safety at all times. Interactions with law enforcement can be unpredictable. If it is safe to do so, you may document encounters, note badge numbers, and gather witness information. Avoid confrontation, escalation, or placing yourself or others at risk. Never sign documents on behalf of others or provide legal advice unless you are qualified to do so. U.S. citizens can also support their communities by staying informed, checking in on neighbors, and connecting people to trusted legal resources when appropriate. For more details, visit the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights and “Know Your Rights” materials.