Federal trial underway in Uptown Charlotte for two anti-ICE protestors

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A high-profile federal trial is underway in Uptown Charlotte for two community activists. Heather Morrow and William Donovan Stanley face charges from an anti-ICE protest last November, linked to an immigration enforcement sweep known as Operation Charlotte’s Web.

Supporters gathered outside the courthouse Monday, claiming the pair was wrongfully targeted while monitoring federal agents. Advocacy groups allege that key law enforcement surveillance video has been lost. State lawmakers and faith leaders joined the rally, calling the prosecution a direct attack on the constitutional right to protest.

Collective Liberation Church pastor Rev. Dr. Benjamin Boswell says, “The reason that they’re still misdemeanor charges against Heather and Donovan is because they want to try to use them to set an example. And if they set an example, what they’re saying is, you should not protest when your government is unjust, because if you do so, we’re gonna try to put you on federal felony and misdemeanor charges and put you in jail or give you serious fines.”

Supporters say they will continue to stand by the families of the accused and are calling on the government to drop all remaining charges.