Charlotte Faces Federal Immigration Crackdown Amid Controversy

Mon Nov 17 2025 11:03:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Federal agents launched a significant immigration operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, under President Trump's directive, prompting community fears and local official criticism.

Federal immigration agents have begun large-scale operations in Charlotte, North Carolina, resulting in nearly 100 arrests. The initiative, termed 'Operation Charlotte's Web', has drawn sharp criticism from local officials who argue it exacerbates fear in the community. While the Department of Homeland Security claims it targets 'criminal illegal aliens', the presence of armed agents has left families and local organizations concerned about safety and legal rights. The crackdown is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to address immigration enforcement nationally.

Federal agents have descended on the city of Charlotte in North Carolina as part of US President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has said.

Federal immigration authorities carried out nearly 100 arrests in the Charlotte area on Saturday, according to CBS, the BBC's American news partner.

Local officials, including Mayor of Charlotte Vi Lyles, released a joint statement criticizing the operation, saying it was causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty in the community.

Since Trump's return to office, he has deployed troops to Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Chicago to deliver on his promise of the largest deportation programme in US history.

The DHS announced Operation Charlotte's Web on Saturday, emphasizing that criminal illegal aliens would be targeted in the Democratic-run city. We are surging DHS law enforcement to Charlotte to ensure Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed, stated DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

Armoured vehicles and special operations teams could be involved in the North Charlotte crackdown, according to internal government documents seen by CBS News.

Several church members doing yard work at a church in east Charlotte fled into woods when agents arrived and detained one man, reported The Charlotte Observer, quoting the church's pastor. We thought church was safe and nothing [was] gonna happen, a 15-year-old witness told the newspaper.

Officials indicated that there are a number of organisations standing ready to assist individuals seeking legal guidance on immigration matters. The DHS justifies the operation due to North Carolina not honouring the nearly 1,400 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees, leading to their release due to sanctuary policies.

While Charlotte is not classified as a sanctuary city, it holds the designation of a certified welcoming city committed to immigration inclusion, opposite of what DHS aims to enforce. President Trump and Secretary [Kristi] Noem will step up to protect Americans when sanctuary politicians won't, emphasized the DHS.

Charlotte is composed of diverse ethnic backgrounds, with approximately 17% of residents born outside the U.S. The DHS has not indicated how long the raids will last, as those in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles continue.

Earlier in the week, US Representative Alma Adams expressed extreme concern about Border Patrol and ICE agents operating in North Carolina. The next city on Trump's radar appears to be New Orleans, potentially involving 200 agents. Past operations have faced criticism over allegations of excessive use of force.