A moderate North Carolina lawmaker is accusing Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden of attempting to intimidate her over a key immigration vote.
State Rep. Carla Cunningham, a Charlotte Democrat, says that in July 2025, McFadden warned she could face harm if she supported a House override of Gov. Josh Stein’s (D) veto of House Bill 318, which requires sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
Cunningham recalled the conversation, telling the Daily Caller News Foundation, “One of the first things he said was that the citizens of Mecklenburg County would come at me. He didn’t want to see me get hurt; you live in my county.”
She described the remarks as threats connected to her vote on the legislation.
The sheriff’s office declined to comment. A spokesperson stated, “The Sheriff is aware of the removal petition and allegations made; however, we are not releasing a statement at this time.”
Separately, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation confirmed it is reviewing additional claims against McFadden, including alleged misuse of county employees and retaliation toward former staff.
Since taking office in December 2018, McFadden has frequently refused to honor ICE detainer requests, releasing several criminal illegal aliens back into the community.
ICE publicly criticized his policies in August 2019, and in November 2025, McFadden reportedly expressed frustration that Customs and Border Protection had not personally consulted him regarding targeted enforcement operations in Charlotte.
House Bill 318, introduced by North Carolina Republicans in March 2025, aimed to expand anti-sanctuary policies by requiring sheriffs to hold illegal aliens for at least 48 hours, giving federal authorities time to assume custody.
The bill passed the Republican-controlled legislature, but Gov. Stein vetoed it, citing constitutional concerns. Cunningham was the only Democrat to vote in favor of overriding the veto.
Following McFadden’s call, Cunningham said she immediately sought legal advice.
“When I got off the phone, I made calls to my family, my staff, and the General Assembly, and then I located an attorney,” she said.
Despite the alleged threat, she voted to override the veto, helping the bill become law.
Cunningham now faces political backlash for crossing party lines. Gov. Stein has endorsed her primary challenger, Rodney Sadler, highlighting support for “Democratic values.”
Cunningham defended her vote as prioritizing public safety over partisan politics.
“I’ve always been what you considered a moderate Democrat, that independent thinking,” she told TDC. “With my nursing background, of course, you have to have good judgment skills as well as critical thinking skills, and I rely on those quite a bit.”
The lawmaker and several former sheriff’s office employees have filed a petition asking a Mecklenburg County judge to remove McFadden from office.
The complaint alleges extortion, bribery, retaliation against whistleblowers, misuse of county resources and unsafe conditions at the county detention center, according to The Carolina Journal.
Among the petitioners is Marcia Crenshaw Hill, a former 13-year employee of the sheriff’s office, who described unsafe working conditions resulting from McFadden’s policies.
Former chief deputy Kevin Canty, along with ex-deputies Juan Delgado and Bryan Adams, reported internal investigations and alleged retaliation targeting staff for perceived disloyalty.
The petition does not immediately remove McFadden but initiates a judicial review process.
A legislative oversight hearing is scheduled for Jan. 22 to examine the allegations and management concerns within the sheriff’s office. McFadden is seeking a third term as Mecklenburg County sheriff in 2026.
