Operation Charlotte Web Leads to Arrests
Federal immigration agents took more than 130 individuals into custody during the initial two days of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operation in and around Charlotte, North Carolina, as reported on Monday.
Among those arrested were 44 undocumented immigrants with significant criminal records, including two known gang members. DHS confirmed these details, and inquiries were made regarding the legal status of those arrested and whether they have legal representation.
A spokesperson for DHS stated that those apprehended were “undocumented and should never have been here in the first place.”
This initiative, branded as “Operation Charlotte Web,” was launched by the Trump administration on Saturday. It specifically targets undocumented immigrants who have criminal backgrounds.
“We are dispatching DHS law enforcement to Charlotte to ensure the safety of the American people and address the public safety threat,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
As of 2023, around 425,000 immigrants without permanent legal status reside in North Carolina, which represents almost 40 percent of the state’s immigrant population, according to Pew Research Center. Additionally, nearly 70 percent of these undocumented individuals have lived in the state for over five years.
The presence of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in the region has drawn criticism from local and state officials. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Mecklenburg County Commission Chair Mark Jerrell, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board Chair Stephanie Sneed expressed concerns that the operation is instilling unnecessary fear and anxiety within the community.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein also voiced his worries, suggesting the operation “incites fear and divides communities.”
On the other hand, Representative Mark Harris, whose district includes parts of Charlotte, backed the operation, asserting that “the citizens of Charlotte appreciate knowing that the Border Patrol is out there doing their job.” He criticized those in elected positions who oppose the enhanced enforcement efforts, implying that they fail to recognize the importance of border enforcement.
In a related note, over 20,000 students from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) were absent on that Monday, according to CMS, making up nearly 15% of the district’s total student population from the previous school year.
