Federal agents from US Customs and Border Protection conducted a series of immigration raids in Charlotte, North Carolina, over the weekend, leading to at least 81 arrests and sparking protests. The operation, known as Operation Charlotte's Web, was carried out under the Department of Homeland Security.
The arrests have brought normally thriving immigrant enclaves and business districts to a standstill. Manolo's Bakery, a popular local establishment, closed for the weekend for the first time in 28 years. Its owner, Manolo Betancur, said families needed protection from separation. City council member-elect JD Mazuera Arias said the city had "gone from a thriving city to a standstill" and visited the bakery in solidarity.
Video footage on social media showed people being chased or picked up by agents. Willy Aceituno, a Honduran-born US citizen, captured agents smashing his car window before being pulled out, handcuffed, and later released. David Rebolloso, a laundromat owner and military veteran, said he was heartbroken, with business down as construction workers stayed away. He said the tactics made even him consider carrying his passport.
Advocacy group Siembra NC said Saturday saw the most immigrants arrested in a single day in state history. Among those detained were landscapers putting up Christmas decorations and a teenage worker at Super G Mart, described as no older than 16 by owner Peter Han, who condemned agents for smiling after the arrest.
Governor Josh Stein urged residents to "bear witness" and record any inappropriate behaviour. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden, who ended cooperation with ICE in 2018, said he was not surprised, confirmed his office would not assist federal agents, and advised people to stay out of their way.
