Over 250 arrested in immigration crackdown in Charlotte

International

FEDERAL agents have arrested more than 250 people in a sweeping immigration enforcement operation in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The crackdown, dubbed “Operation Charlotte’s Web”, began over a weekend and was carried out by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) in collaboration with ICE.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials stated that many of those targeted are alleged to be “criminal illegal aliens,” including individuals with records for aggravated assault, DUI, shoplifting, and illegal re-entry after deportation.

In a BBC report, Charlotte’s local government and community leaders have voiced deep concern over the aggressive nature of the operation.

Mayor Vi Lyles described the deployment of heavily armed agents and unannounced raids as causing “unnecessary fear and uncertainty” among residents, especially those from immigrant communities.

The timing and scale of the enforcement surge have also disrupted daily life for many in the city.

According to reports, some Latino-owned businesses temporarily shut down, while a marked drop in school attendance has been observed in immigrant neighborhoods — a development community groups say reflects widespread panic.

Though DHS claims the operation has ended, there is confusion over the official status.

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden said the Border Patrol portion of the mission concluded, but ICE will maintain its presence.(Victoria Diana, USJR Comm Intern)