Federal agents have descended on the city of Charlotte in North Carolina as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration initiated by US President Donald Trump's administration, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The operation, dubbed Operation Charlotte's Web, led to nearly 100 arrests in the area, with reports highlighting concerns from local officials regarding the impact on community safety and trust.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, along with other local leaders, issued a joint statement condemning the raids, emphasizing that they create unnecessary fear and uncertainty within the community.
Since Trump's re-election, he has expanded federal enforcement operations to include cities like Washington DC, Chicago, and Los Angeles, aiming to implement what has been described as the most extensive deportation program in US history. The DHS has announced plans for similar operations in New Orleans.
We are surging DHS law enforcement to Charlotte to ensure Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed, stated DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. According to internal documents, the operation may involve armed vehicles and special operations teams.
This latest push occurs as North Carolina has not complied with the transfer of about 1,400 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees back to federal custody, citing sanctuary policies that limit cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration agents.
Charlotte is identified as a certified welcoming city, which formally acknowledges its commitment to inclusivity for immigrants, further complicating the local response to federal crackdowns. Witness accounts indicate that some individuals, including church members, fled into nearby woods when agents arrived for previously peaceful activities.
A 15-year-old witness captured the anxiety of the situation, expressing a belief that their church should have remained a safe haven during such operations.
Rights organizations have mobilized to provide legal support and guidance for those affected by the recent actions in Charlotte, which has approximately 17% of its population composed of immigrants.
As the operations unfold, concerns mount regarding their potential for violence and abuse, reminiscent of previous crackdowns in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles.
