CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Border Patrol activity in Charlotte is causing construction delays as some companies say workers are staying home, projects are stalling and economic costs are rising.

Local contractor Face Fakhry, the owner of F2 Construction, says the presence of federal immigration agents in Charlotte has created a climate of fear, even among workers who have legal documentation.

“My entire operation is grounded," Fakhry said. "Nobody is working."

Construction has been booming across the Charlotte region, from high-rise apartment buildings to residential developments. Many of those projects rely on skilled labor, much of it from immigrant workers. But after reports and videos showing Border Patrol and ICE operations in the area , Fakhry says his crews became more hesitant to leave t

See Full Page