Federal Crackdown on Immigration Hits Charlotte

Mon Nov 17 2025 11:42:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Federal agents have launched a significant immigration enforcement operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, arresting nearly 100 individuals. This move is part of a broader crackdown initiated by President Trump's administration, raising concerns about community safety and legal support for those affected.

In a major operation dubbed 'Operation Charlotte's Web,' federal immigration agents conducted nearly 100 arrests in Charlotte, NC. Local leaders criticized the actions for instilling fear among residents, with community responses highlighting the unexpected raids. This operation aligns with Trump's promises for strict immigration policies, as authorities prepare for similar actions in other cities.

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 criticising 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, saying 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, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. Armour 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, The Charlotte Observer reported, quoting the church's pastor. Officials said there are a number of organisations standing ready to assist individuals seeking legal guidance on immigration matters. The DHS said they are carrying out the operation because North Carolina has not honoured the nearly 1,400 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees - meaning they had been released due to sanctuary policies. Charlotte is not a sanctuary city but is a certified welcoming city, indicating its commitment to immigration inclusion. President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem will step up to protect Americans when sanctuary politicians won't, the DHS added. Charlotte has a diverse population, with about 17% of residents born outside the country. The length of the raids remains unclear, following similar operations in previous cities that faced scrutiny for excessive force.