🌳 ICE Conduct Raids Across Durham

In this issue:

It’s been an anxious week across Durham as unexpected ICE activity rippled through schools, neighborhoods, and local government, prompting a rare show of unified pushback from city leaders. We also break down a federal discrimination lawsuit shaking up Habitat for Humanity, the sudden closure of a beloved jazz venue, new data showing a shift in Ph.D. enrollment across the Triangle, and major movement on long-delayed affordable housing in Hayti. Plus: a big real estate sale, a very cute dog, and the return of downtown’s holiday festivities.

Approx Read Time: 3 mins

ICE Conduct Raids Across Durham

Federal immigration agents carried out enforcement actions across Durham and the Triangle this week, detaining at least three people and prompting officials, schools, and advocacy groups to mobilize in response. The activity led primarily by U.S. Customs and Border Protection comes days after a major sweep in Charlotte and without advance notice to Durham officials, fueling fear and confusion throughout the city.

• Surprise Detentions: Durham Commissioner Chair Nida Allam said she witnessed three people taken into custody in a Durham shopping center on Avondale Drive.

• Officials Push Back: Local leaders, including State Sen. Sophia Chitlik and Mayor Leonardo Williams, held a news conference declaring agents “not welcome” in Durham and urging residents to stay calm and ask officers for warrants.

• Community on Alert: Schools reported elevated absences, Rapid Response teams deployed across the city, and advocacy groups circulated maps, hotlines, and legal resources as sightings spread online.

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Habitat Durham CEO Says She Was Fired for Not Being ‘Woke Enough’

Former Durham Habitat for Humanity CEO Tiana Joyner has filed a federal lawsuit alleging she was wrongfully terminated, discriminated against, and pushed out after board leaders said she wasn’t “woke enough” for the role. Her departure came as the nonprofit was already dealing with financial strain, shrinking homebuilding output, and a rare move to sell two completed houses on the open market.

• Discrimination Claims: Joyner says tensions escalated after she challenged the board chair’s characterization of a fundraising presentation as “white supremacy,” leading to retaliation and a “sham” misconduct probe.

• Financial Struggles: Rising construction costs, fewer builds, and the decision to sell two East Enterprise Street homes highlight deeper fiscal challenges the nonprofit now acknowledges.

• Leadership Chaos: New CEO Nimasheena Burns says key financial records were hard to locate or possibly damaged, and the board has offered little explanation for Joyner’s removal.

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Missy Lane’s Jazz Club Closes Downtown

Missy Lane’s Assembly Room, a beloved downtown Durham jazz venue that opened in 2023, has closed after just two years, announcing the news in a brief social media post. While the club didn’t share a reason for shutting down, its nonprofit arm says it will continue hosting block parties and jazz education programs, keeping part of the mission alive even as the physical space goes dark.

• Nonprofit Lives On: The Missy Lane’s Foundation says jazz education and community programming will continue.

• Opened in 2023: The venue quickly became a hub for live jazz, social gatherings, and Bull City arts culture.

• No Closure Details: Operators did not explain the decision but thanked supporters for two years of community.

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Duke Ph.D. Enrollment Drops Amid Funding Uncertainty

Duke University saw a sharp decline in Ph.D. enrollment this fall, contributing to a rare dip in the Triangle’s overall number of doctoral researchers. The drop stems from uncertainty over federal research funding, which has hit private universities harder than public ones. This is a shift that could reshape where future STEM talent chooses to study in the region.

• Duke Down 5%: Duke (the state’s largest producer of Ph.D.s) saw a significant enrollment decrease, while UNC (+2.5%) and NC State (+2.1%) grew.

• Funding Fears: Cuts and delays to federal research agencies have squeezed private universities, where graduate stipends are often among the first expenses reduced.

• Triangle Impact: Experts warn a slowdown in research dollars could hinder innovation, even as the Triangle remains one of the nation’s top life-science Ph.D. hubs.

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Council Unites on ICE Response, Advances Major Hayti Housing Project

Durham’s Nov. 17 council meeting centered on a forceful, citywide response to increased ICE and Border Patrol activity in North Carolina, with every council member reaffirming Durham as a welcoming and protective community. The city also advanced one of its largest affordable housing projects, following years of delay in the Fayetteville Street–Hayti area.

• Strong Unified Opposition to ICE Activity: The mayor read a joint statement with DPS and county commissioners denouncing recent federal immigration actions. All council members echoed deep concern for immigrant neighbors, urging residents to rely on verified information and rights-based training networks.

• $17M Approved for Villages of Hayti Redevelopment: The council unanimously approved a major loan to DHA for Phase 1 (252 units) of the long-stalled redevelopment. Additional phases will include 70 units of senior housing and future homeownership options.

• Community Concerns: Grant Street residents spoke emotionally about decades-long delays at Fayette Place, calling for development that honors long-promised commitments and avoids “sloppy or chaotic” redevelopment that harms legacy neighborhoods.

Watch the Full Discussion >>

APS Pet of the Week

Dory is a big-hearted, high-energy girl who greets life with nonstop enthusiasm and a whole lot of tail wags. She loves exploring, treats, and especially playing fetch — truly an all day activity for her. Dory will thrive with plenty of exercise, a consistent routine, and some basic training, and she does best with older kids and slow dog introductions. If you’re looking for an adventurous companion with a joyful spirit, she’s ready to meet you.

Adopt Dory »

Mack Brown Sells Chapel Hill Mansion for $6M

Former UNC football coach Mack Brown has sold his historic 9,900-square-foot Chapel Hill mansion for $6 million, roughly $4 million more than he paid in 2019. The 1922 home, located in the Chapel Hill Historic District and renovated in 2022, features five bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a saltwater pool, rooftop terrace, chef’s kitchen, and even a golf-simulator wing. The buyer is Peter S. Evanovich, son of bestselling novelist Janet Evanovich, marking one of the Triangle’s highest-profile luxury sales of the year.

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Downtown Durham Holiday Tree Lighting

CCB Plaza
Nov 21, 5–9 pm
A family-friendly kickoff to the holiday season featuring performances by Rissi Palmer, The Lover Boyz, dance groups, Santa visits, crafts, film shorts, hot cocoa, cider, and a full evening of music leading up to the 7:30 pm tree lighting.

Details >>

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