Operation Charlotte’s Web Detains 81 Immigrants in North Carolina
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it detained up to 81 immigrants residing in the United States illegally on the first day of Operation Charlotte’s Web, which took place in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino informed reporters that the operation commenced on Saturday, resulting in 81 arrests. In a message posted on X, he stated, “Many of these 81 people have serious criminal and immigration records and are off the streets. This took about 5 hours! Keep an eye on social media to see who we arrested. There will be more to come.”
Bovino also released a video showcasing the agents arriving in Charlotte.
He documented the operation by sharing images of some of those detained.
In a statement, Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at DHS, emphasized, “Americans should be able to live without fear of violent criminal illegal aliens harming them, their families, and their neighbors. We are rushing DHS law enforcement to Charlotte to ensure the safety of Americans and eliminate public safety threats. Too many victims of criminal illegal aliens have died, Mr. President.” She indicated that the current DHS leadership would stand firm in protecting the public, even amidst the challenges posed by some politicians.
On the other hand, North Carolina’s Democratic Governor Josh Stein expressed a less enthusiastic view about the operation. He said, “We should all be focused on arresting violent criminals and drug traffickers. Unfortunately, we don’t always see that with ICE and Border Patrol agents in Chicago and across the country.” In a statement, he pointed out that many individuals detained have no convictions and some may even be American citizens.
Stein encouraged residents of North Carolina to document any actions by federal immigration agents, asserting, “When we see injustice, we testify.” He advised that if anyone witnesses inappropriate conduct, they should capture it on their cell phones and report it to local authorities, who will continue to ensure community safety even after federal agents have departed. “That’s the North Carolina way.”
