Federal immigration raids in Charlotte, North Carolina, have sparked panic, with surveillance video showing people fleeing into a laundromat as Customs and Border Protection agents were present in the parking lot. The crackdown, dubbed Operation Charlotte’s Web, has resulted in over 200 arrests and widespread fear, disrupting daily life and drawing criticism from local leaders.
The enforcement operation began over the weekend, targeting areas with high immigrant populations in Charlotte. Agents in unmarked vehicles and paramilitary gear conducted stops, leading to scenes of chaos, including individuals running into businesses like the North Tryon Laundromat to avoid detection. Business owners reported that the presence of federal officers caused immediate closures and a climate of intimidation, with many describing the tactics as based on racial profiling rather than specific intelligence.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein condemned the methods, stating that the operations are causing “widespread fear” and not enhancing public safety. He emphasized that agents are working covertly without coordination with state authorities, targeting individuals based on appearance, which has left local officials in the dark about the scope and duration of the crackdown. The governor’s office has reached out to the White House for clarification but received no response, exacerbating uncertainty.
Community impact has been severe, with an estimated half of small businesses in East Charlotte closing temporarily due to the raids. Greg Asciutto of the nonprofit CharlotteEast described the economic situation as “catastrophic,” comparing it to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools reported over 30,000 student absences—about 20% of enrollment—as families kept children home to avoid potential encounters with federal agents.
Protests have erupted across the city, with high school students staging walkouts and residents gathering to demand safety for all community members. The Rev. Corine Mack of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP highlighted the need for everyone to feel secure, while individuals like Gerardo Ortiz, a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico, shared accounts of being detained despite their legal status, further eroding trust in law enforcement.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the operations, citing advanced investigations into criminal elements, including child abuse and trafficking cases in Charlotte. She asserted that the raids are targeted and based on casework, not random profiling. However, critics argue that the approach is indiscriminate and undermines community relations, with arrests including charges such as gang membership, assault, and illegal re-entry.
As the crackdown expands to other North Carolina cities like Raleigh and Cary, the debate over immigration enforcement tactics intensifies. The events in Charlotte underscore broader implications for civil liberties and the balance between security and community trust, with ongoing protests and political responses shaping the narrative.
The situation remains fluid, with federal agents continuing operations and local leaders calling for transparency and peaceful expression of rights. The outcome of these raids could influence future immigration policies and enforcement strategies nationwide.
