Federal Agents Intensify Immigration Enforcement in Charlotte

Mon Nov 17 2025 03:16:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A significant immigration crackdown is underway in Charlotte, North Carolina, as federal agents execute 'Operation Charlotte's Web,' resulting in dozens of arrests amidst community concerns.

Federal enforcement agencies have launched a major immigration operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, stemming from a broader crackdown endorsed by President Donald Trump. Local officials express alarm over the ensuing fear in the community, as reports indicate over 80 arrests. The initiative, termed 'Operation Charlotte's Web,' aims at targeting undocumented individuals, and follows similar operations in other major 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 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, stating that 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 seen by the BBC's US partner, 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 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.

Charlotte is not a sanctuary city but is a certified welcoming city committed to immigration inclusion.

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

Charlotte is an ethnically diverse city, with about 17% of residents being born outside of the country, according to Data US.

DHS has not commented on how long the raids will continue. Similar operations in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles have faced backlash over concerns of excessive use of force.

US Representative Alma Adams expressed concern about the operations, indicating that further crackdowns may follow in cities like New Orleans, with a potential deployment of 200 agents.