Over 250 Arrested in Recent Immigration Crackdown in North Carolina

Wed Nov 19 2025 20:55:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Federal agents have carried out a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in North Carolina, resulting in over 250 arrests in just a few days, leading to increased tensions and protests in immigrant communities.

In a significant immigration enforcement operation dubbed 'Operation Charlotte’s Web,' federal agents have arrested more than 250 individuals in North Carolina. The operation has sparked community outcry, with fears spreading among immigrant populations, as arrests affect school attendance and local businesses. Protests have erupted, particularly in Charlotte, against the crackdown, which is seen as part of a broader federal initiative targeting undocumented immigrants in Democratic-led cities. Tensions are expected to rise further as similar operations prepare to unfold in New Orleans.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Federal agents have now arrested more than 250 people during an immigration crackdown centered around Charlotte, the state’s largest city, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday.

The operation began over the weekend and marks the latest phase of Republican President Donald Trump’s aggressive mass deportation efforts, which have deployed military and immigration agents into Democratic-run cities across the country.

The arrest campaign expanded into areas around Raleigh on Tuesday, causing fear in at least one immigrant-heavy suburb.

Dubbed “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” the operation has doubled the initially reported arrests. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that its agencies continue to target some of the most dangerous criminal illegal aliens.

Federal officials have disclosed minimal details regarding the individuals arrested while keeping the scale of the enforcement operations across North Carolina a secret, creating anxiety in affected communities.

The crackdown has been met with pockets of resistance and protests in Charlotte, where around 100 people gathered outside a Home Depot, expressing their discontent with signs reading, 'ICE out of Home Depot, Protect our communities.' This local unrest illustrates the growing tension and fear among immigrants.

Many immigrant neighborhoods are feeling a chilling effect; school attendance has dropped and numerous small shops and restaurants have closed to avoid potential confrontations with federal agents.

In Cary, a Raleigh suburb with a substantial immigrant population, traffic has diminished significantly as families avoid outings amid the fear of raids. Local businesses, including a grocery store, saw very few patrons in recent days.

As federal agents complete their operations in North Carolina, plans are reportedly in place to shift resources to New Orleans for a similar enforcement operation expected to roll out by December 1. This continued federal immigration push raises concerns about the impact on local communities already feeling targeted.

The crackdown style and strategies have drawn substantial criticism, emphasizing the ongoing vulnerabilities faced by immigrant populations across the United States. As DHS refrains from commenting further on potential operations, the public remains in uncertainty, highlighting a pressing need for clarity and policies that support immigrant rights.