Federal case centers on actions at DHS parking lot during 2025 protest
Two Charlotte-area residents are on trial this week in federal court after being charged for their conduct during an immigration enforcement operation in November 2025 that drew large local protests. Heather Morrow and William Stanley face four misdemeanor counts each related to allegedly blocking federal agents from entering the Department of Homeland Security parking area, prosecutors said.
Jury selection occupied much of the first day Monday, with jurors returning a panel of 10 women and four men following roughly three hours of voir dire. After juror selection, prosecutors called several Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to the stand and played video footage of the arrests multiple times for the jury.
Video, officers’ accounts at issue
Prosecutors began by asking officers involved in the incident about the events that led to the arrests and whether they had issued dispersal orders before using physical force. One officer testified that he arrested Stanley after the defendant allegedly punched a window on the officer’s government vehicle and failed to comply with commands during the detention.
Defense attorneys sought to undermine aspects of the officers’ testimony by pointing to bystander cellphone video that was released after the arrests, arguing it showed differences between initial reports and later descriptions. The defense said one officer originally reported that Morrow had jumped on his back, but changed his account after the cellphone footage was made public to say the defendant merely touched his back.
- Defendants: Heather Morrow, William Stanley
- Charges: Four misdemeanor counts each, related to obstructing federal agents
- Key evidence: Multiple videos of the arrests; testimony from ICE officers
Supporters and legal arguments
Supporters of Morrow and Stanley gathered both inside and outside the federal courthouse on Monday. Religious and community leaders who have supported the protesters characterized the charges as excessive and urged prosecutors to drop the case.
“What we really want the government to do is just drop the charges. I mean, these are the last two folks that are here for anything related to Charlotte’s Web,” said the Rev. Benjamin Boswell, lead pastor of the Collective Liberation Church, while standing with supporters.
Defense attorneys focused on raising doubt about the officers’ recollections and the necessity and proportionality of the use of force, pointing to discrepancies between earlier statements and what appears on video. Prosecutors, meanwhile, emphasized that federal property was clearly marked and that officers had attempted to get the crowd to disperse before moving to make arrests.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Department of Homeland Security parking lot, Charlotte |
| Operation | Operation Charlotte’s Web (November 2025) |
| Initial court day | Aug. 31, 2026 — jury selection and early testimony |
Local context and implications
The case stems from a high-profile immigration enforcement action that prompted months of protests across the city, drawing activists, faith leaders and immigration advocates. For Charlotte residents, the trial underscores ongoing tensions between federal enforcement actions and local efforts to support immigrant communities.
Legal observers say the outcome could shape how federal agencies and local demonstrators interact at future operations in Charlotte and elsewhere. If the prosecution secures convictions, it may signal stricter consequences for protesters who physically impede federal personnel on government property. Conversely, defense success could reinforce arguments about the limits of force and the evidentiary value of civilian recordings in contested encounters.
No resolution is expected this week; the trial will continue with additional testimony and cross-examinations. Both defendants remain in the public eye as leaders and participants in protests tied to the November 2025 operation, and the proceedings have already prompted continued demonstrations and statements from community allies.
WE NEWS will follow the trial as it progresses and report on subsequent court filings, witness testimony and any ruling in the case.
