RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A federal immigration crackdown centered around North Carolina’s largest city, Charlotte, appears to be over after less than a week. Agents are now shifting their focus toward New Orleans, where a new operation is anticipated to begin soon.
Officials confirmed with Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection operation, dubbed “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” resulted in hundreds of arrests before its suspension.
The crackdown started over the weekend and follows a pattern established during the Donald Trump administration, emphasizing mass deportations in cities led by Democrats.
As of Tuesday night, over 250 individuals had been arrested in North Carolina. Homeland Security has cited the targeted locations due to local sanctuary policies.
With federal agents now expected to launch “Swamp Sweep” in New Orleans, the local community in North Carolina is left to grapple with the fallout from the enforcement efforts. The initial operation led to a marked decline in school attendance and closed businesses, creating a climate of fear among immigrant families.
During the crackdown, protests erupted, with approximately 100 individuals gathering outside a Home Depot in Charlotte to voice their resistance against the enforcement actions.
Moving forward, New Orleans is expected to see an influx of federal agents as part of a crackdown that could escalate tensions similar to those experienced in North Carolina. Officials have provided scant details on who was arrested and the full scope of the operation.
