Trendpills
A large-scale federal immigration enforcement operation began in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday, November 15, causing widespread fear throughout the city's immigrant communities and prompting numerous local businesses to shutter. Dubbed "Operation Charlotte’s Web," the initiative involves a significant deployment of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, including personnel from the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC).
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the operation is specifically designed to target and apprehend noncitizens with criminal records. In an official statement, DHS detailed its goals for the enforcement action, stating it aims to arrest individuals who pose a threat to public safety. However, the visible and widespread nature of the enforcement has raised concerns among residents and advocates about the potential for broader, non-targeted arrests.
Reports from the ground depicted masked federal agents making arrests in public spaces, including outside restaurants, in parking lots, and along major roads. This heavy presence has had a chilling effect on daily life, with many residents reportedly staying home from work and school. The federal sweep has disrupted local commerce and daily routines as businesses, particularly those in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods like East Charlotte, closed their doors amid the uncertainty. Video footage shared online showed agents approaching individuals in residential areas, further fueling community anxiety.
The operation was launched despite vocal opposition from local officials. Charlotte's mayor and other city leaders had previously expressed their disapproval of such a federal deployment in their city. The action mirrors a similar sweep conducted in Chicago in September, which resulted in over 1,500 arrests, according to media reports. As the operation continues, community organizations are mobilizing to provide legal aid and support, while local leaders have continued to decry the federal action for creating a climate of fear that undermines community trust and safety.
