North Carolina Immigration Crackdown Leads to Over 250 Arrests

Wed Nov 19 2025 20:34:14 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Federal agents have conducted a significant immigration enforcement operation in North Carolina, resulting in more than 250 arrests, with the crackdown particularly focused on the Charlotte area. This event has sparked protests and heightened fears in immigrant communities.

A recent crackdown on immigration in North Carolina has led to the arrest of over 250 individuals, primarily targeting immigrants without legal status and those with criminal records. The operation, dubbed 'Operation Charlotte's Web,' has created fear among immigrant populations, causing school attendance drops and closures of local businesses. Protests against the crackdown have emerged, highlighting resistance within the community. Federal agents are expected to continue their operations beyond North Carolina, with planned actions in New Orleans upcoming.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Federal agents have now arrested more than 250 people during a North Carolina immigration crackdown centered around Charlotte, the state’s largest city, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday.

The operation that began over the weekend is part of Republican President Donald Trump’s aggressive mass deportation efforts, targeting Democratic-run cities across the nation.

Recent actions extended to areas near the state capital of Raleigh, inciting fear in immigrant-heavy suburbs. The number of arrests during the operation, termed “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” was about double earlier estimates announced by DHS officials.

Federal officials aim to apprehend individuals residing in the U.S. illegally and those with alleged criminal records. Details regarding those arrested remain sparse, which contributes to the anxiety within targeted communities.

The crackdown has met with resistance; about 100 people protested outside a Home Depot in Charlotte, demanding an end to such raids. Organizers used signs stating, 'ICE out of Home Depot, Protect our communities.'

Community tension is palpable, with reports of decreased school attendance and shuttered businesses amongst immigrant communities. In Cary, a suburb of Raleigh, fear permeates neighborhoods, with reduced traffic and empty storefronts evident in areas populated by immigrants.

Federal agents reportedly plan to expand operational efforts, with upcoming missions expected in New Orleans, where a significant immigration enforcement operation is set to begin soon.

DHS has refrained from commenting on the ongoing operations. 'For the safety and security of law enforcement, we’re not going to telegraph potential operations,' said spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.