Escalating Immigration Crackdown in Charlotte Leads to Over 250 Arrests

Fri Nov 21 2025 05:17:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Federal immigration enforcement has intensified in Charlotte, North Carolina, resulting in more than 250 arrests amid accusations of racial profiling and community unrest.

In a significant escalation of immigration enforcement, more than 250 arrests have been made in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of President Trump's immigration crackdown. Local officials have condemned the operation, named 'Operation Charlotte's Web,' citing concerns over racial profiling and community safety. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between federal immigration policies and local governance, as protests emerge against federal actions targeting undocumented immigrants.

More than 250 people have been arrested in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of President Donald Trump's escalating crackdown on undocumented immigration, US officials say.

Charlotte is the latest US city that Trump has targeted with federal troops, following similar measures in bigger cities like Chicago and Los Angeles earlier this year. Officials with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told the BBC that those arrested are criminals and gang members.

However, local lawmakers and residents have vehemently opposed the detainments, which the federal government has dubbed 'Operation Charlotte's Web.' North Carolina's Democratic governor has accused federal agents of racially profiling individuals based on their race.

In a statement released on Wednesday, a DHS spokesperson disclosed that the operation has resulted in the apprehension of 'some of the most dangerous criminal illegal aliens,' including gang members, and other individuals with a history of various offenses, such as assault on law enforcement or theft.

Governor Josh Stein has publicly condemned these operations, asserting that they are racially biased. He expressed his dismay at the nature of the arrests, claiming that armed agents in paramilitary attire have indiscriminately targeted neighborhood residents for actions as benign as walking down the street.

Mayor of Charlotte, Vi Lyles, also criticized the federal crackdown and called for respect for the community's values. She backed a recent protest against the operations, stating, 'To everyone in Charlotte who is feeling anxious or fearful: you are not alone. Your city stands with you.'

DHS has not disclosed the duration of the raids. Similar operations in other cities, such as Chicago, are ongoing. Concerns have surged within the migrant community in Charlotte, causing many to remain indoors in fear of immigration enforcement actions.

Stein has indicated that he is closely monitoring developments about potential forthcoming operations in Raleigh, stating, 'Once again, I call on federal agents to target violent criminals, not neighbors walking down the street, going to church, or putting up Christmas decorations.'

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