Feds Crack Down on Immigration in Charlotte

Mon Nov 17 2025 02:54:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A major immigration operation dubbed 'Operation Charlotte's Web' targets illegal residents in North Carolina, sparking local outrage and community fear.

Federal agents have begun a significant immigration enforcement operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of President Trump's wider crackdown on illegal immigration. Dubbed 'Operation Charlotte's Web', over 81 arrests were made during the initiative, drawing criticism from local officials who claim it has instilled fear within the community. The operation aims to target individuals deemed as 'criminal illegal aliens', using advanced law enforcement tactics. Concerns have been raised about the potential effects of such raids in a city recognized for its ethnic diversity and commitment to inclusive immigration policies.

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 X, US Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino said at least 81 people had been arrested in the city on Saturday.

Local officials, including Mayor of Charlotte Li Vyles, 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, 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.

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

Several church members doing yard work at a church in east Charlotte fled into woods when agents arrived and detained one man, according to reports.

We thought church was safe and nothing [was] gonna happen, a 15-year-old witness told the newspaper.

Officials said there are a number of organizations standing ready to assist individuals seeking legal guidance on immigration matters.

The DHS is carrying out the operation because North Carolina has not honored the nearly 1,400 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees, meaning they had been released due to sanctuary policies.

Although Charlotte is not a sanctuary city, it is regarded as a certified welcoming city for its commitment to immigration inclusion.

President Trump and Secretary [Kristi] Noem will step up to protect Americans when sanctuary politicians won't, the DHS stated.

Charlotte is ethnically diverse, with about 17% of residents being born outside the country.

The DHS has not specified how long the raids will last, and similar operations in Chicago are ongoing.

Earlier in the week, US Representative Alma Adams expressed extreme concern about the Border Patrol and ICE agents' presence in North Carolina. New Orleans is reportedly the next city targeted, with as many as 200 agents potentially deployed there.

Past operations have faced scrutiny over excessive use of force.