Federal Crackdown on Immigration Hits Charlotte: Local Leaders Voice Concerns

Sun Nov 30 2025 22:59:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant move, federal agents have initiated a crackdown on illegal immigration in Charlotte, North Carolina. The operation has sparked fear in the community and criticism from local officials.

Federal agents have launched 'Operation Charlotte's Web' in Charlotte, NC, arresting at least 81 individuals as part of President Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement efforts, which have raised concerns from local leaders about community safety and the impact on immigrant residents.

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 mentioned that at least 81 people were arrested in the city on Saturday.

Local officials, including Charlotte Mayor Li Vyles, released a joint statement criticizing the operation, stating it was causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty in 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 executing the largest deportation program in US history.

The DHS announced Operation Charlotte's Web on Saturday, targeting criminal illegal aliens 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 stated.

Internal government documents seen by CBS News indicate that armored vehicles and special operations teams could be involved in the crackdown.

Several church members doing yard work at a church in east Charlotte reportedly fled into the woods when agents arrived, resulting in the detainment of one man. Witnesses expressed disbelief, with one 15-year-old stating, We thought church was safe and nothing [was] gonna happen. Local officials mentioned numerous organizations ready to assist individuals seeking legal guidance regarding immigration issues.

The operation's rationale is based on North Carolina not honoring nearly 1,400 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees who were released due to sanctuary policies. While Charlotte is not categorized as a sanctuary city, it is known as a certified welcoming city committed to immigration inclusion.

President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem pledged to protect Americans when local sanctuary politicians fail to do so. With Charlotte's population being about 17% foreign-born, this operation is likely to have significant community impacts.

DHS has not disclosed the duration of the raids. Previously, operations in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles have faced backlash over excessive use of force.

Local representatives voiced concerns about the operation, and reports indicate the next city targeted could be New Orleans, potentially involving up to 200 agents.