Immigration Crackdown in Charlotte: Federal Agents Target Community Amid Controversy

Mon Nov 17 2025 03:15:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Federal agents have launched a large-scale operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, focused on arresting illegal immigrants as part of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement strategy. Local officials express concerns over community safety and the impact on residents.

In a significant immigration enforcement operation dubbed 'Operation Charlotte's Web,' federal agents have arrested at least 81 individuals in Charlotte as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration, backed by the Department of Homeland Security. Local leaders criticize the operation for creating fear within the community, while the DHS argues it is necessary to maintain public safety amid non-compliance with immigration policies. The crackdown signifies a broader trend as similar operations are ongoing in other U.S. 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.

In a post on X, US Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino announced that 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, stating it was causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty within the community.

Since Trump's return to office, he has deployed troops to various cities, including Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Chicago, to fulfill his promise of the largest deportation program in US history.

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

Armoured vehicles and special operations teams may be involved in this crackdown, according to internal government documents seen by CBS News.

Reports indicate that church members participating in yard work in east Charlotte fled into the woods as agents arrived, detaining one man as reported by The Charlotte Observer. A witness recounted, We thought church was safe and nothing [was] going to happen.

Officials have stated there are numerous organizations ready to assist individuals seeking legal guidance on immigration matters. The operation is being carried out because North Carolina has not honored the nearly 1,400 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees due to sanctuary policies.
Charlotte is classified as a certified welcoming city, committed to immigration inclusion, despite not being a sanctuary city.

The DHS emphasized that President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem will step up to protect Americans when local policies fall short. Charlotte boasts a diverse population, with approximately 17% of its residents born outside the United States.

The duration of the raids remains uncertain, as operations in cities like Chicago continue. US Representative Alma Adams expressed her deep concern over the presence of Border Patrol and ICE agents in North Carolina this week.

Following Charlotte, the next targeted city appears to be New Orleans, with reports of up to 200 agents potentially deployed.

Previous enforcement efforts in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles have faced criticism over the use of excessive force, raising ongoing discussions about the balance between immigration enforcement and community safety.