Why immigrants are lining up overnight outside Charlotte’s DHS office for mandatory check-ins and appointments

Overnight lines form outside Tyvola Centre Drive facility amid delays and uncertainty

In recent weeks, long lines have formed outside the Department of Homeland Security office on Tyvola Centre Drive in southwest Charlotte, with some immigrants arriving hours—or even days—before scheduled immigration check-in appointments. Reports from multiple visits to the site in January and early February 2026 described people waiting outdoors through overnight temperatures in the 20s and 30s, using blankets, camping chairs and informal lists to manage the queue.

Those in line have described a shared concern that missing a mandatory check-in could jeopardize their immigration cases and, in some situations, could lead to detention. Some said they were turned away after waiting the full day because the office closed before they were seen, despite arriving for morning appointment times.

Appointments exist, but the day-to-day flow appears unpredictable

The Charlotte facility is not accepting walk-ins, but the volume of scheduled check-ins has pushed some people to line up far in advance in hopes of being among the first admitted when doors open. People waiting outside have described creating their own sign-up lists to keep order and reduce confusion. At least one count taken during a midweek evening visit in early February placed the crowd at 40 or more people outside.

Immigration attorneys working with low-income clients have described the situation as recurring throughout the year, including during extreme heat and cold. The attorneys have advised against sleeping outside, while also recommending that people document their attempts to comply—such as taking timestamped photos at the site—if they are not seen during their scheduled day.

Federal response disputes the premise of the lines and points to alternatives

Federal officials have disputed that the lines are driven by office operations alone, attributing them instead to misinformation circulating in immigrant communities and among activists. They have pointed to alternatives intended to resolve some issues without an in-person meeting, including contacting the non-detained unit by email, working through legal counsel, and using QR codes posted at the facility.

In public messaging linked to the CBP Home app, DHS has also promoted voluntary departure options, including government-provided travel and a cash incentive that has been reported at $2,600 in recent coverage of the program. The same messaging has warned of enforcement consequences for those who remain without legal status.

Local spillover: public safety concerns and limited county role

Although the facility is federal, the overnight lines have raised local concerns about exposure to weather and the lack of basic amenities such as restrooms. After county leaders were alerted to the situation, county staff were directed to assess needs and explore ways to assist people waiting outside, including blankets and heaters where feasible. Community volunteers have also brought warm drinks, food and blankets to the site.

• Location: DHS office on Tyvola Centre Drive, southwest Charlotte
• Issue: appointment backlogs and long outdoor waits, including overnight
• Risks cited by those waiting: fear of missed check-ins affecting immigration cases
• Federal position: lines driven by misinformation; alternatives available for some needs

The situation has highlighted a growing gap between required in-person compliance expectations and the capacity perceived by immigrants and advocates at the local office level.