Protests and Arrests as Immigration Raids Sweep Charlotte
Dozens of people were reportedly arrested in Charlotte, North Carolina, over the weekend as a significant federal immigration enforcement operation, led by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), took place. The crackdown, which the Trump administration justifies as a crime-combating measure, has been met with fierce opposition from local leaders and sparked a public rally.
Protesters gathered at First Ward Park on Saturday for the 'No Border Patrol In Charlotte' rally, voicing their strong objections to ICE raids and border patrol activity in the city.
Operation Charlotte's Web: A City on Edge
The operation, dubbed 'Operation Charlotte's Web', has cast a pall over the Democratic-led city of approximately 950,000 residents. Despite official claims that the action targets crime, city crime rates have been steadily declining. The presence of federal agents led to a noticeable change in the city's atmosphere; many businesses chose to remain closed, and areas typically bustling on a Saturday were quiet as people stayed home, fearful of encounters with immigration officials.
Gregory Bovino, the top CBP commander who previously led similar operations in Chicago and Los Angeles, took to social media to document the arrests. He claimed that the number of individuals detained had exceeded 80. Bovino posted pictures of those arrested, whom the administration often labels 'criminal illegal aliens,' including one man with an alleged history of drunk driving convictions. "We arrested him, taking him off the streets of Charlotte so he can’t continue to ignore our laws," Bovino wrote on X.
Community Impact and Widespread Fear
The human cost of the operation has been profound. At Camino, a nonprofit serving Latino communities, spokesperson Paola Garcia reported that fear was preventing people from attending school, work, or medical appointments. Their dental clinic alone saw nine cancellations on Friday. "Latinos love this country," Garcia said. "They came here to escape socialism and communism... it’s just so sad to see that this community now has this target on their back."
Reports of CBP activity became "overwhelming" by Sunday, according to Greg Asciutto of CharlotteEast. He noted countless reports of agents near churches, apartment complexes, and a hardware store. The targeting of houses of worship drew particular criticism. City council member-elect JD Mazuera Arias called it "just awful," stating that these sanctuaries were being violated, leaving people unable to feel safe while worshipping.
This latest enforcement push mirrors previous operations in other major cities, which have triggered lawsuits and investigations over the use of force by federal agents. While the Trump administration defends these tactics as necessary, local Democratic leaders argue they inflame community tensions and lead to violence. The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to inquiries for further details on the Charlotte arrests.
