Martha White, the granddaughter of ‘Charlotte’s Web’ author E.B. White, has condemned the Department of Homeland Security for naming an immigration crackdown in Charlotte, North Carolina, after the beloved children’s book, arguing that the operation’s tactics contradict the story’s messages of compassion and inclusion.
The controversy emerged as DHS launched ‘Operation Charlotte’s Web,’ a series of raids in Charlotte that resulted in the arrest of 81 individuals over the weekend. Top Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino announced the arrests on social media, invoking the book’s title in a post that described the agents’ mobility and reach, drawing immediate backlash from the author’s family and community leaders.
In a statement shared with CNN, Martha White sharply criticized the use of her grandfather’s work, emphasizing that E.B. White ‘certainly didn’t believe in masked men, in unmarked cars, raiding people’s homes and workplaces without IDs or summons.’ She noted that he valued the rule of law and due process, qualities she feels are absent in the current operation, which she described as fearmongering.
White highlighted the thematic disconnect, pointing out that in ‘Charlotte’s Web,’ the spider Charlotte uses her web to save Wilbur the pig from slaughter, symbolizing protection and friendship. In contrast, the DHS operation targets immigrants, many with criminal histories, in a city that has been labeled a sanctuary for undocumented individuals, creating a stark juxtaposition with the book’s ideals of generosity and inclusion.
The operation has drawn criticism from local leaders, including North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, who accused agents of ‘racially profiling and picking up random people’ based on appearance. Stein’s comments reflect broader concerns about the methods used in the crackdown, which have included heavily armed agents in paramilitary gear, exacerbating tensions in the community.
Community impact was immediate, with several businesses closing temporarily due to fear. Manuel ‘Manolo’ Betancur, owner of a popular Colombian bakery, shut his doors after witnessing agents chase people outside his shop, stating he needed to protect his customers, employees, and family. This disruption highlights the real-world consequences of the enforcement actions on local economies and daily life.
This is not the first time the Trump administration has faced backlash for naming immigration operations after individuals or stories. Previously, ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ in Chicago was criticized by the mother of Katie Abraham, whose death was cited as justification, but she argued her daughter would not have wanted to be associated with the political controversy, echoing similar concerns about misappropriation.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local communities, particularly in sanctuary cities. DHS claims the operation aims to remove ‘criminal illegal aliens,’ while critics decry it as fear-based and inconsistent with American values. As the debate continues, Martha White’s stance serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the importance of aligning government actions with foundational principles of justice and humanity.
