Charlotte woman sentenced to federal prison after confrontation with ICE agents

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - A federal judge sentenced Charlotte resident Heather Morrow to five months in prison following her conviction in a case stemming from a confrontation with federal immigration agents.

Morrow broke down in tears in court as she asked the judge not to send her to prison. Prosecutors had requested an eight-month sentence.

The case stems from an encounter last November during Operation Charlotte’s Web, when federal agents stepped up immigration enforcement across the city.

Prosecutors said Morrow and William Stanley blocked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents as they tried to return to the Department of Homeland Security building in Charlotte. Cellphone video of the confrontation was a significant part of the case.

After a three-day trial, a jury found Morrow and Stanley guilty on several charges, including obstructing law enforcement. Their attorneys argued the two were exercising their right to free speech in a public parking lot, but the jury rejected that argument.

Morrow’s supporters said they viewed the case differently.

“She’s standing up to oppression,” supporter Charles Stone said. “It’s only possible when we actually unite together, and we successfully stand up to oppression and get jail for that, come on?”

Another supporter, Ismaail Qaiyim, said the outcome would not stop people from demonstrating.

“We’re not gonna be deterred. We’re gonna continue to protest. We’re gonna continue to organize,” Qaiyim said.

Stanley was sentenced to 10 months of probation. He was convicted only of misdemeanors and was not convicted of the assault charge.

Morrow must surrender to federal authorities on or shortly after Jan. 13.