Crossing Boarders: Immigration and Division in North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. - Immigration is one of the most divisive and deeply personal issues facing North Carolina today. A new WRAL Documentary, Crossing Borders: Immigration and Division in North Carolina, takes viewers inside the debate from emotional family separations to high profile crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. Crossing Borders was produced by WRAL investigative documentary reporter Cristin Severance and WRAL documentary photographer and editor Dwayne Myers after seeing immigration stories in the headlines every week since President Trump took office in January. “We wanted to tell the human side of the immigration debate, give context on new legislation in North Carolina and see how federal directives are truly impacting the people and communities in our state,” Severance said. The documentary follows families navigating the harsh realities of state and federal immigration enforcement— like a Wake County grandmother who’s lived in the U.S. for nearly 30 years, only to see her teenage son deported. The documentary also revisits the murder of Wake County Sheriff’s Deputy Ned Byrd. Byrd was allegedly shot and killed by two undocumented brothers who had previously been deported. The case has led to calls for stricter immigration laws at the state level, including new bills that would force sheriffs to notify ICE before releasing undocumented inmates. The documentary also explores the 2025 immigration policies under the Trump administration, including expanded enforcement efforts, deportation initiatives, and programs designed to encourage voluntary departure by undocumented immigrants. Viewers will hear from immigrant advocates, lawmakers, and local law enforcement about what these policies mean to North Carolinians. Crossing Borders amplifies voices on both sides of the debate — those calling for stronger immigration laws, and those fighting to remain with their loved ones. Where to watch: The full documentary is available on WRAL.com's Documentary section and WRAL’s main YouTube channel. It will also air on WRAZ FOX 50 on Saturday, April 26 at 3 PM and on WILM on Sunday, April 27 at 6 PM. © 2025 Copyright Capitol Broadcasting Company