Two Charlotte residents, William Stanley, 25, and Heather Morrow, 44, have been charged with several offenses related to obstructing the use of federal property. The announcement was made by Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
The charges include obstructing the entrances to a federal facility, impeding and disrupting government employees performing their duties, failing to comply with lawful directions from authorized personnel, and assaulting or resisting officials. According to allegations in a criminal bill of information, on November 16, 2025, both individuals entered the grounds of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE/ERO) building in Charlotte. While on the premises, they are accused of disorderly conduct that blocked access to building entrances and parking lots.
It is further alleged that their actions disrupted ERO Deportation Officers as they carried out official responsibilities. Both defendants are also accused of refusing to follow lawful instructions from officers and forcibly assaulting or intimidating them while they were engaged in official duties. These acts are described as simple assault.
Heather Morrow had previously faced a federal criminal complaint; however, this was dismissed at the government's request when formal charges were filed.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office made this announcement in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations, ICE/ERO, and the FBI.
"The charges in the bill of information are allegations only. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
