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Charlotte Woman Gets Five Months for Blocking ICE Entrance
Heather Morrow was sentenced to five months in prison and seven months of probation for obstructing the entrance of a federal ICE facility during a November 2025 protest. Supporters say the sentence is meant to send a message to activists.
A federal judge on Friday sentenced a Charlotte woman to five months in prison and seven months of probation for her role in a protest that blocked the entrance of a federal immigration office in southwest Charlotte last year.
Heather Morrow was convicted in September of obstructing the entrance of federal property and of assaulting, resisting, and intimidating law enforcement. Video evidence showed Morrow and other demonstrators blocking the entrance of the ICE office in November 2025.
The judge said the sentence was appropriate to promote respect for the law. Morrow must report to prison by Jan. 13, 2027.
Morrow, tearful during the hearing, apologized and said she would not put herself in that position again. A Charlotte attorney spoke in support of Morrow, citing her good work in the community, and expressed disappointment with the outcome.
âWe believe the state is trying to send a message,â said Ismaail Qaiyim, a supporter of Morrow. âAnd we send a message by being here and showing our support for Heather and continue to engage in advocacy we all believe.â
The sentencing follows the October sentencing of William Stanley, who received one year of probation, 50 hours of community service, and a fine for his role in the same protest.
The case is one of several stemming from immigration-related demonstrations in Charlotte, where community members have rallied against federal enforcement policies. Supporters of the defendants argue that the prosecutions are intended to chill protest activity, while federal officials have said the charges reflect enforcement of laws protecting federal facilities and officers.