More than 250 people have been arrested in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of President Donald Trump's escalating crackdown on undocumented immigration, U.S. officials report.
Charlotte is the latest U.S. city targeted with federal troops, following similar crackdowns in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) state that those arrested include criminals and gang members.
However, local lawmakers and residents have voiced strong opposition to these detentions, which the federal government refers to as 'Operation Charlotte's Web.' North Carolina's Democratic governor has claimed that people are being specifically targeted based on their race.
A DHS spokesperson noted that the operation aims to apprehend some of the most dangerous criminal illegal aliens, with arrests including individuals convicted of various crimes like assault on law enforcement and drunk driving.
Governor Josh Stein criticized the operations, accusing agents of racially profiling residents. He described armed agents in paramilitary gear apprehending people in public spaces and expressed concern that these actions do not enhance safety.
Charlotte's mayor, also a Democrat, urged federal agents to maintain respect for the city's values and praised citizens who protested against the administration's actions. She reassured those feeling anxious about the crackdown that they are not alone.
There is no clarity on how long the raids will continue, but ongoing reports suggest that operations may expand to other cities in North Carolina, prompting fears among migrants who are staying home to avoid encounters with federal agents.
Stein continues to call for federal agents to focus on violent criminals rather than everyday residents.
