Asheville, NC, August 24, 2025
News Summary
Jediael Amaya Sanchez was arrested by ICE agents outside the Buncombe County courthouse in Asheville while attending a civil complaint hearing. The operation raised concerns about safety and transparency as local law enforcement was not informed in advance. With a reported 170% increase in ICE arrests in North Carolina this year, community protests have emerged against the agency’s heightened enforcement actions. The tactics used in this incident have alarmed civil rights advocates, furthering the dialogue on procedural transparency in law enforcement.
Asheville, North Carolina – On August 21, 2024, Jediael Amaya Sanchez, a 46-year-old man, was arrested by agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside a Buncombe County courthouse. The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. as Amaya Sanchez was walking from the courthouse to his vehicle.
The operation was carried out using an unmarked gray Ford Expedition, which had 30-day tags. Witness James Mills reported that he observed three officers in tactical gear quickly detain Amaya Sanchez, with the arrest taking place in less than three seconds. At least one of the officers was seen carrying a tactical AR-15, while two wore bulletproof vests, including one that was marked “U.S. Marshals.”
Neither the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office nor Amaya Sanchez’s public defender, Timothy Henderson, were informed about the arrest beforehand. This lack of notification has raised concerns about safety and transparency, especially considering that Amaya Sanchez was in court that day for a civil complaint hearing involving a no-contact order request from another individual.
Amaya Sanchez’s appearance at the courthouse also indicated he had a bailiff assigned for possible harassment fears related to the complainant. Notably, he had recently been found not guilty of charges related to an alleged break-in and assault, a ruling made by a jury that determined he had not committed the crime. His previous legal issues mainly consisted of three traffic-related charges.
The incident wasn’t isolated; it is part of a significant rise in ICE activities in North Carolina since the beginning of the current administration. Reports indicate that from January 20 to June 26, 2024, ICE arrested 1,822 individuals in the state, representing a 170% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2023. This escalation has caught the attention of local law enforcement and civil rights advocates.
Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller has voiced concerns regarding potential misidentifications during such arrests and emphasized a need for better communication and coordination between ICE and local sheriff’s departments. The safety of individuals near court premises during such operations is increasingly being questioned.
Following the arrest, Velen Amaya, Jediael Amaya Sanchez’s daughter, received a distressing call from her father, leaving her worried about his current state and whereabouts. Reports confirm that he was transported to a detention center in Lumpkin, Georgia, with his daughter unable to reach him since the arrest.
Protests against heightened enforcement actions by ICE have emerged in Asheville and other parts of North Carolina, as activists call these measures unconstitutional and detrimental to community safety. While ICE positions its operational focus on removing violent offenders and “the worst of the worst,” records indicate that during the first half of 2024, fewer individuals with criminal convictions were apprehended compared to previous years.
The nature of Amaya Sanchez’s arrest and the tactics used have raised alarms among civil rights groups and legal representatives in Asheville. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about the rights of detained individuals and a pressing call for greater procedural transparency in law enforcement activities, particularly those involving ICE.
FAQ
What led to the arrest of Jediael Amaya Sanchez?
Jediael Amaya Sanchez was arrested by ICE agents outside a Buncombe County courthouse while leaving a civil complaint hearing involving a no-contact order request.
How many individuals has ICE arrested in North Carolina recently?
ICE has reported 1,822 arrests in North Carolina between January 20 and June 26, 2024, marking a 170% increase from the same time period in 2023.
What concerns have been raised about the arrest of Amaya Sanchez?
Concerns include transparency in law enforcement operations, the potential for misidentification, and the safety of individuals near court premises during such high-pressure arrests.
What has been the community response to ICE’s increased activities?
Community members and activists have protested against increased ICE enforcement actions, describing them as unconstitutional and harmful to public safety.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Arrest | August 21, 2024 |
| Location | Buncombe County Courthouse, Asheville, NC |
| Number of ICE Arrests in NC (2024) | 1,822 |
| Increase in Arrests | 170% from 2023 |
| Previous Verdict | Not guilty of alleged break-in and assault |
| Response by Community | Protests against ICE actions |
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Western North Carolina Schools on Immigration Initiatives
- ABC11: Day of Immigrants and Rally in Asheville
- WYFF4: ICE Raid on South Carolina Nightclub
- CBS News: Hundreds of Illegal Immigrants Arrested
- Wikipedia: Immigration in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
