Federal immigration enforcement continued across North Carolina today, with Charlotte and Raleigh becoming the latest flashpoints in the nationwide sweep known as Operation Charlotte’s Web.
Federal Agents Spread Across Major Cities
Residents reported multiple sightings of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) teams in both Charlotte and Cary, a suburb of Raleigh.
In Charlotte, agents were seen outside laundromats, bakeries, churches, apartment complexes and busy commercial corridors. The heightened presence pushed many small businesses to temporarily close their doors.
Hundreds of Arrests Reported
More than 200 people have been arrested in Charlotte since the operation began this weekend. DHS says those detained violated immigration laws, and a portion of them have criminal records. Advocacy groups say many of the arrests happened near workplaces, community centers, and Home Depot parking lots.
A number of detainees have already been transferred to Stewart Detention Center in Georgia, a remote facility that makes legal access difficult. Others may be moved to Louisiana due to overcrowding.
Fear Spreads Through Immigrant Communities
The sweep has left many Hispanic and immigrant families afraid to leave their homes.
Some U.S. citizens of Hispanic descent said they carry passports to avoid being mistakenly targeted. One popular Latino bakery closed on Monday after patrons were stopped outside.
Local nonprofits reported agents showing up near facilities serving refugee and immigrant children, prompting cancellations of after-school programs.
Controversy Over Tactics and Targeting
Advocacy organizations accuse federal officers of racial profiling and an aggressive, militarized approach. Local leaders, including Raleigh’s mayor, say their agencies were not coordinating with federal authorities. Meanwhile, crime statistics released by the city show an overall 8% drop in crime, contradicting DHS’s justification for the raids.
The operation’s name has also sparked backlash. Martha White, granddaughter of Charlotte’s Web author E.B. White, criticized DHS for using the name of the children’s classic to label an operation that is detaining families and sowing fear.
