Federal Immigration Crackdown Hits Charlotte, North Carolina
Federal authorities have launched a large-scale operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of President Donald Trump’s expanded crackdown on illegal immigration.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” stating that “criminal illegal aliens” would be targeted in this Democratic-led city.
The operation has caused widespread concern in the local community.
Officials, including Charlotte Mayor Li Vyles, criticized the raids for creating “unnecessary fear and uncertainty.”
According to DHS, the objective is to “ensure Americans are safe and remove public safety threats.”
Internal government documents suggest that armored vehicles and special operations teams could be involved.
Several church members doing yard work in East Charlotte fled into the woods when agents arrived, and one man was detained.
“We thought the church was safe and nothing was going to happen,” said a 15-year-old witness.
DHS also emphasized that local organizations are ready to assist individuals seeking legal guidance regarding immigration matters.
Charlotte is not a sanctuary city but is a “certified welcoming city,” formally committed to immigration inclusion.
About 17% of residents were born outside the United States, reflecting the city’s diverse population.
The DHS has not disclosed how long the operation will last, but similar crackdowns in Chicago and Los Angeles have continued for weeks, drawing criticism for potential excessive use of force.