Federal Immigration Crackdown Targets Charlotte

Mon Nov 17 2025 10:44:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Charlotte faces a significant immigration enforcement operation as federal agents carry out nearly 100 arrests, causing community unrest and concerns over safety.

In a robust immigration enforcement operation dubbed 'Operation Charlotte's Web,' federal agents executed nearly 100 arrests in Charlotte, North Carolina. Local officials criticized the operation for instilling fear in the community, highlighting the city’s diverse population and its commitment to immigration inclusion. Amidst ongoing immigration tensions following President Trump’s return to office, the Department of Homeland Security emphasizes the need for safety while local leaders advocate for legal support for those affected.

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 reported.

On Saturday, federal immigration authorities conducted nearly 100 arrests in the Charlotte area, according to CBS, the BBC's American news partner.

Local officials, including Mayor of Charlotte Vi Lyles, issued a joint statement criticizing the operation, asserting that it has caused 'unnecessary fear and uncertainty' within the community.

Since Trump's return to office, he has deployed troops to multiple cities including Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Chicago, aiming to deliver on his promise of 'the largest deportation programme' in US history.

The DHS announced 'Operation Charlotte's Web' on Saturday, noting that it would target '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,' stated DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

According to internal government documents reviewed by CBS News, armored vehicles and special operations teams could be involved in the crackdown.

Several church members performing yard work at a church in east Charlotte fled into the woods when agents arrived, as reported by The Charlotte Observer, quoting a church pastor.

'We thought church was safe and nothing [was] gonna happen,' remarked a 15-year-old witness.

Officials stated there are organizations prepared to assist individuals seeking legal guidance regarding immigration matters.

The DHS justified the operation by noting that North Carolina had not honored the nearly 1,400 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees, who were released due to 'sanctuary policies.'

While Charlotte is not classified as a sanctuary city—cities that have policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities—it 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,' asserted the DHS.

Charlotte has a diverse demographic, with about 17% of residents born outside the United States.

The DHS has not provided a timeline for the raids, which follow continued actions in Chicago since September.

Earlier in the week, US Representative Alma Adams expressed her concerns over the arrival of Border Patrol and ICE agents in North Carolina.

Reports suggest New Orleans may be the next city targeted, with as many as 200 agents anticipated to be deployed there. Operations in prior target cities like Chicago and Los Angeles have faced scrutiny over alleged excessive force.