Wherever federal immigration agents have gone, lawsuits have followed.

Reuters reported last month that, since October, hundreds of judges have ruled more than 4,400 times that ICE and Border Patrol arrested people illegally.

Cardinal & Pine’s Jessica F. Simmons has a new report on five North Carolina men who are suing immigration police. Four of them are American citizens. They say that federal agents arrested them without warrants during the immigration crackdown in November.

One of those men is Willy Aceituno, a naturalized US citizen who has lived in Charlotte for more than two decades. In November, Aceituno was sitting outside of a restaurant when US agents smashed the window of his pickup truck, dragged him out, and handcuffed him.

“I am a US citizen, but my papers did not protect me,” Aceituno said in the legal filing. Take a look at this important story and share.

In this November 2025 file photo, a person is detained by US Border Patrol agents after being apprehended inside a fast food restaurant in Charlotte. The man sustained injuries to his face while agents wrestled him to the ground after he tried to run. (Ryan Murphy/Getty Images)

Want to know your legal rights if you encounter ICE? Go here.

If you want to help us grow, share this newsletter with five of your friends and family. It’s the best way for Cardinal & Pine to reach more North Carolinians.

Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:

William Schuessler caught this incredible sunset over Emerald Isle.

If you’re like me, you’ve been thinking more and more about the beach as the temperature warms. More on how to indulge that need below.

If you know, you know. (@obxtasteofthebeach on Instagram)

Speaking of beaches, one coastal town is getting back in the spirit this weekend.

As Cardinal & Pine contributor Ryan Pitkin writes, Nags Head is hosting a three-day “Taste of the Beach” festival. It’s not just an opportunity to see the ocean.

The Outer Banks Restaurant Association curates the event every year to help the area’s restaurants gear up, with deals you can’t get any other time of year on the Outer Banks.

For this story and a bourbon-fueled ride through the Great Smokies and a home goods bash in eastern NC, tap here or on the button below.

More NC news:

1. Stein urges NC lawmakers to pass $1.4 billion mini-budget to support state’s ‘critical needs.’ NC Newsline

“The proposal calls for funding to make up the state’s Medicaid shortfall and raise wages for police, teachers and nurses.”

2. NC auditor to candidate claiming bias: recusal unnecessary in state Senate race. WRAL

“State Auditor Dave Boliek wields influence over who manages elections. But he says he doesn’t have a direct role in tallying ballots, rejecting a candidate’s allegations that he can’t oversee a fair recount in a close Senate race.”

3. Tree pollen ramps up across central North Carolina. ABC-11

“In just a few short weeks, pine pollen will coat almost everything as the peak of the spring pollen season arrives.”

On behalf of our parent company COURIER, check out this March 12 virtual event:

Big national decisions can have real impacts close to home—especially when it comes to health care.

COURIER is hosting a live virtual event, MAHA & the Midterms, to help break down how recent political choices are shaping health care access, affordability, and what families should know moving forward.

The conversation features author Hank Green, psychologist Dr. Mary Trump, US Rep. Lauren Underwood (a registered nurse), Shaughnessy Naughton of 314 Action, and medical analyst Dr. Vin Gupta.

Join us for an informative discussion designed to help you better understand the issues—no policy background required.

👉 Save your spot here.

Former First Lady Dolley Madison (White House Historical Association)

Recently, we published a look at 10 historic sites in North Carolina that you have to visit to truly appreciate women’s history in our state.

Among them, the Greensboro History Museum is really busy this month. That includes a series of living history events about famous Triad women performed by costumed interpreters. 

But here’s one permanent exhibit worth your time. The museum features a Dolley Madison collection, centering on the former first lady and Guilford County native. 

Madison’s husband was, of course, the fourth president of the United States. During his presidency, she was known for hosting soirees that brought together fierce political rivals. 

For more on NC historic sites that are perfect for Women’s History Month, tap here or on the button below. 

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Billy Ball. I’m an NC native and journalist. I tend to lean left on opinion, but I lean no way on facts. Today’s edition includes stories from Jessica F. Simmons, Ryan Pitkin, and Brook Bolen. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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