Federal Crackdown on Immigration Sparks Fear in Charlotte

Mon Nov 17 2025 02:29:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Federal agents have launched a significant operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, targeting undocumented immigrants, leading to widespread community concerns and arrests.

In a move signaling a stringent immigration policy, federal agents have initiated 'Operation Charlotte's Web' in the city, resulting in at least 81 arrests. Local officials criticize the operation for instilling fear in the community, while the Department of Homeland Security insists the crackdown is vital for public safety. Charlotte, labeled as a 'certified welcoming city,' faces backlash from both its residents and local representatives amidst this crackdown.

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.

In a post on social media, US Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino reported that at least 81 people had been arrested in the city on Saturday.

Local officials, including Mayor of Charlotte Li Vyles, have released a joint statement criticizing the operation, stating it is causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty in the community.

Since Trump's return to office, he has deployed troops to various cities across the nation to deliver on his promise of a massive deportation program.

The DHS announced Operation Charlotte's Web on Saturday, stating that offenders posing a security threat would be the primary targets of this operation.

We are surging DHS law enforcement to Charlotte to ensure Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed, said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

Armoured vehicles and special operations teams are expected to participate in the crackdown, as indicated by internal government documents.

In the wake of the raids, several church members in east Charlotte sought safety in the woods when federal agents arrived, leading to the detention of one individual, according to the church's pastor.

Officials emphasized that there are local organizations available to assist individuals seeking legal guidance on immigration matters. They attributed the operation's necessity to North Carolina's failure to honor the release of nearly 1,400 immigration detainees due to sanctuary policies.

Although Charlotte is not classified as a sanctuary city, it is designated as a certified welcoming city, expressing a commitment to immigration inclusion.

Concerns over the operation have been voiced by local representatives, including US Representative Alma Adams, while future operations in cities like New Orleans are planned.