Federal immigration enforcement agents arrested 130 individuals in Charlotte, North Carolina, during the first 48 hours of a large-scale operation targeting illegal immigrants, including those with criminal records and gang affiliations.
The Department of Homeland Security reported that among those detained in what officials designated “Operation Charlotte’s Web” were 44 individuals with criminal histories. These records include charges of aggravated assault, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault on a police officer, battery, driving under the influence, and hit-and-run incidents. Two known gang members were taken into custody, including one affiliated with the MS-13 gang.
Greg Bovino, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection commander-at-large leading the operation, stated on social media Sunday that his agents would “hit Charlotte like a storm.” Video footage from the enforcement action showed agents in tactical gear conducting arrests across the state.
The operation has generated significant community disruption. Approximately 20,935 students were absent from school across 185 schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg district, according to school officials. Hispanic-identifying students comprise 31 percent of the district’s student population.
Several businesses, particularly those serving the Latino community, temporarily closed their doors. Manolo’s Bakery, a Latino-owned establishment, shut down on Saturday after the owner witnessed CBP activity in the area. Owner Manolo Betancur stated this marked the first closure in the bakery’s 28-year history. In a statement, Betancur expressed concern about carrying his passport as an American citizen due to his appearance and accent.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles joined other Charlotte and Mecklenburg County elected officials in issuing a joint statement criticizing the federal operations. The officials stated the enforcement actions are “causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty in our community.” They emphasized that all residents should “feel secure in our community and know they can live their lives without being fearful while walking down the street, going to school, work or the grocery store.”
The operation has not proceeded without incident. Federal authorities reported that a Customs and Border Protection officer sustained injuries after two separate vehicle ramming incidents during operations on Sunday. Video released by the Department of Homeland Security showed a driver in a white van fleeing from law enforcement officers conducting an immigration operation. On Monday, agents faced another vehicle ramming incident while positioned in a parking lot.
The enforcement action represents a significant expansion of immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration. The operation’s scale and the community response underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding federal immigration policy implementation at the local level.
Federal authorities have indicated the operation will continue as agents work to identify and detain individuals in the country illegally, particularly those with criminal records or gang affiliations.
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