Charlotte Residents Face Immigration Crackdown
Dozens of people were reportedly arrested in Charlotte, North Carolina over the weekend as federal immigration agents launched a major enforcement operation in the Democratic-led city. The Trump administration has targeted Charlotte despite strong objections from local leaders and declining crime rates in the area.
Protests and Community Fear
Protesters gathered at First Ward Park on Saturday for the 'No Border Patrol In Charlotte' rally, demonstrating against ICE raids and border patrol activity throughout the city. The protest came as many residents reported increased encounters with federal agents near churches and apartment complexes.
Some businesses chose to remain closed during the weekend, and areas that would typically be bustling on a Saturday afternoon fell quiet as people stayed home fearing immigration sweeps. The community development group CharlotteEast reported receiving 'countless reports of CBP activity at churches, apartment complexes and a hardware store'.
Operation Charlotte's Web
The enforcement action has been labelled 'Operation Charlotte's Web', a reference to the children's book that ironically conjures images of people caught in a trap. Gregory Bovino, who previously led similar operations in Chicago, took to social media to document arrests that he claimed had exceeded 80 people.
Bovino posted pictures of individuals described as 'criminal illegal aliens', including one man with alleged drunk driving convictions. 'We arrested him, taking him off the streets of Charlotte so he can't continue to ignore our laws and drive intoxicated on the same roads you and your loved ones are on,' Bovino wrote on X.
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Customs and Border Protection, has not responded to inquiries about the Charlotte arrests or provided detailed information about those detained.
Impact on Latino Community
At Camino, a nonprofit serving Latino communities, spokesperson Paola Garcia reported significant fear within the community. 'Latinos love this country. They came here to escape socialism and communism, and they're hard workers and people of faith,' Garcia said. 'They love their family, and it's just so sad to see that this community now has this target on their back.'
The dental clinic run by Camino experienced nine cancellations on Friday alone as people avoided leaving their homes for medical appointments, school, or work.
City council member-elect JD Mazuera Arias condemned the targeting of houses of worship, calling it 'just awful'. He stated: 'These are sanctuaries for people who are looking for hope and faith in dark times like these and who no longer can feel safe because of the gross violation of people's right to worship.'
The Trump administration maintains that such operations are necessary to combat crime, though recent operations led by Bovino in Chicago and Los Angeles have triggered lawsuits and investigations over use of force allegations.
