Is it legal to film Border Patrol agents in Charlotte? Here’s NC law
Border Patrol agents carried out a second day of arrests across the Charlotte area on Sunday, heightening community concern as the federal operation continued with no clear end in sight.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol official Greg Bovino said agents arrested 81 people in five hours on Saturday, though his claims about criminal histories could not be independently verified, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Protesters planned a Sunday evening demonstration at the Department of Homeland Security office, while federal officials, who described the effort as “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” have not said where detainees are being taken or whether families can reach them, the Observer reported.
Border Patrol’s presence has also drawn crowds of bystanders and witnesses, many of whom have been recording arrests as they unfold in public spaces. Those videos have quickly circulated online — but is it legal to film them?
Here’s what you need to know.
Is it legal to film Border Patrol agents?
Yes, your right to film Border Patrol is protected by the First Amendment, regardless of your immigration status, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New York.
That means you can film agents in public spaces, including federal buildings, police stations, and other public areas, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
Can Border Patrol agents tell you to stop recording them?
Yes, if you’re getting in the way of their work, Keisha Williams, the director of communications at ACLU of North Carolina, previously told The Charlotte Observer.
“You cannot interfere with police operations, so they can ask you to stop,” said Williams.
But if you’re not interfering with police work or filming in a restricted area, such as a restroom, the First Amendment protects your right to record law enforcement, Williams said, adding that those who choose to film law enforcement should keep a safe distance while doing so.
What is the penalty for interfering with Border patrol work?
Interfering with federal agents is considered obstruction of justice, which can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity of the crime, according to Wisconsin-based law firm Birdsall Muller.
The firm also says that anyone who helps someone avoid arrest by federal agents, whether by giving them a ride, providing shelter or helping them hide in some other way, could face aiding and abetting charges, which can also be felonies.
This story was originally published November 17, 2025 at 11:10 AM with the headline "Is it legal to film Border Patrol agents in Charlotte? Here’s NC law."
