In brief
In a significant federal immigration crackdown, agents have arrested over 80 individuals in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of 'Operation Charlotte's Web'. The initiative is a response to what officials claim are insufficient actions taken under sanctuary policies. Local leaders express deep concerns over the fear and uncertainty this operation instills in the community, while the Department of Homeland Security defends the actions as necessary for public safety.
Federal agents have descended on the city of Charlotte in North Carolina as part of US President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In a post on social media platform X, US Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino reported that at least 81 people had been arrested in the city on Saturday.
Local officials, including Charlotte's Mayor Li Vyles, released a joint statement criticizing the operation, stating that it has caused unnecessary fear and uncertainty in the community.
Since Trump's return to office, he has deployed troops to various cities, including Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Chicago, fulfilling his promise of the largest deportation programme in US history.
The DHS announced Operation Charlotte's Web on Saturday, emphasizing that criminal illegal aliens are the primary targets in this Democratic-led city.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, We are surging DHS law enforcement to Charlotte to ensure Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed. Internal documents indicate that armored vehicles and special operations teams may be part of the crackdown.
Some church members engaged in yard work at a neighborhood church ran into the woods as agents arrived, resulting in one man's detention. A 15-year-old witness expressed dismay, saying, We thought church was safe and nothing [was] gonna happen. Local organizations have offered to assist individuals needing legal advice regarding immigration matters.
The operation follows the release of around 1,400 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees in North Carolina, as state policies had reportedly />not supported ICE's actions. While Charlotte is not designated as a sanctuary city, it carries a label of being a certified welcoming city, committed to immigration inclusion.
The DHS claims that President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem are committed to protecting Americans when sanctuary politicians fail to do so. Charlotte's population is notably diverse, with approximately 17% of residents born outside of the United States, as per data.
Currently, the DHS has not disclosed how long the raids will persist, but operations in cities such as Chicago are still ongoing. Earlier this week, Democratic US Representative Alma Adams voiced enormous concern regarding the presence of Border Patrol and ICE agents in North Carolina.
Next on Trump's list for immigration enforcement is reportedly New Orleans, with plans for up to 200 agents to be dispatched there. Previous measures in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles have faced backlash due to allegations of excessive force used during arrests.
