Tensions Rise as Homeland Security and Border Patrol Arrest More Than 130 People in Charlotte; Enforcement Expands to Raleigh

Tensions Rise as Homeland Security and Border Patrol Arrest More Than 130 People in Charlotte; Enforcement Expands to Raleigh

In a sweeping immigration enforcement operation, U.S. Homeland Security officials confirmed that Border Patrol agents have arrested over 130 people in Charlotte, North Carolina, sparking widespread concern, protests, and sharp political pushback. The operation, which agents are calling “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” is now expanding into Raleigh as of Tuesday, according to city leaders.

What’s Happening in Charlotte

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the surges in enforcement over this past weekend. According to a DHS spokesperson, more than 130 individuals suspected of being in the country illegally were detained in Charlotte in just the first 48 hours of the operation.  
• Among those arrested, DHS says 44 individuals had criminal records. The list of offenses reportedly includes aggravated assault, DUI, shoplifting, and even membership in known gangs.  
• According to CBP (Customs and Border Protection), the operation is being framed as a response to local policies. Officials claim they are enforcing immigration laws in Charlotte in part because of noncooperation or sanctuary-style policies in local jurisdictions.  
• DHS officials are justifying the move as necessary for public safety. Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, said in a statement:
  “We are surging DHS law enforcement to Charlotte to ensure Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed.”  
• But the operation has provoked serious criticism: Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and other local leaders are strongly condemning the tactics. They say people in their city are being targeted, creating “unnecessary fear and uncertainty.”  
• Videos and social media posts have circulated showing federal agents in tactical gear making arrests in neighborhoods, parking lots, and near local businesses.  
• At least one incident involved a vehicle, with reports that a driver attempted to box in Border Patrol agents in a parking lot.  
• Protests have already begun around the city. Demonstrators have gathered in areas such as East Charlotte—some holding signs decrying the raids, others distributing whistles so residents can alert each other if they see more agents.  

Expansion to Raleigh

• Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell confirmed that federal immigration agents will begin operations in the state capital as soon as Tuesday.  
• It remains unclear how large the Raleigh deployment will be or how long agents will stay. Mayor Cowell said she was not given full details in advance.  
• Cowell has called on residents to remain calm but vigilant: “I ask Raleigh to remember our values and maintain peace and respect through any upcoming challenges.”  
• According to city officials, Raleigh’s local police are not participating in the immigration operations, which has led to questions about coordination and oversight.  

Why This Is Controversial

1. Civil Rights and Community Trust

Local leaders argue that these federal actions are undermining trust in communities, particularly immigrant neighborhoods. Some residents say agents are aggressively stopping people going about daily lives—at work sites, apartment complexes, and even near churches. 

2. Legal and Political Stakes

Critics see the operation as part of a broader, politically motivated crackdown. Those opposed argue that immigration enforcement should not bypass constitutional protections, and that the “surge” is less about crime and more about sending a message. 

Proponents, including DHS leaders, argue this is a law-enforcement mission targeting people with past criminal records and those who have repeatedly violated U.S. immigration laws. 

3. Economic and Social Impact

Some immigrant-owned businesses reportedly closed in response to the raids, and there is anxiety that workers—especially those without legal status—will be too afraid to go to work, shop, or engage in daily life. 

Community advocates are also warning that these tactics may drive people further into the margins, making them less likely to seek help or assistance when needed. 

What’s Next

• The enforcement push is still unfolding. DHS and Border Patrol have not said how long the Charlotte operation will last or exactly how many people they expect to detain.  
• Raleigh officials say they are preparing for increased presence of agents. The city is being asked to balance public safety with protecting residents’ rights.  
• Community groups are mobilizing rapidly. Legal aid organizations and immigrant advocacy groups are urging people to document interactions, know their rights, and prepare for possible detentions or questioning.  
• Local and state political leaders are calling for transparency. They want DHS to clarify its criteria, the basis for arrests, and what protections are in place for people who may be U.S. citizens or legal residents but are mistakenly detained.  

Bottom line: What started as a targeted enforcement operation in Charlotte has escalated into a broader federal crackdown, raising serious concerns about civil liberties, community safety, and the role of Border Patrol in non-border U.S. cities. With Raleigh now in the mix, the stakes are steadily mounting—and residents, advocates, and officials are bracing for what may come next.