In the heart of North Carolina’s largest city, federal immigration agents launched a high-stakes operation that has upended daily life, ignited street protests, and drawn sharp criticism from local leaders. Dubbed “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) effort resulted in the arrest of at least 81 undocumented immigrants in a single day, according to a top commander. But as masked agents patrol neighborhoods, businesses close their doors, and families hunker down in fear, the crackdown has exposed deep tensions between federal enforcers and the communities they target.
A Surge in Enforcement Targets the Queen City
The operation kicked off on November 15, 2025, in Charlotte—a Democratic-leaning city of about 950,000 residents that federal officials have singled out for its so-called “sanctuary” policies. These policies limit local police cooperation with immigration authorities, a stance that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) blames for allowing “criminal illegal aliens” to evade capture. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the need for action, stating that the agency is “surging” resources to North Carolina to “ensure Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed.”
Leading the charge is Gregory Bovino, a CBP commander from El Centro, California, who has directed similar operations in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles. On social media platform X, Bovino celebrated what he called a “record day,” posting videos and photos of arrests, including one of a man with multiple drunk driving convictions. “Massive numbers in Charlotte. Some good criminals also,” he wrote on November 16, later clarifying that 81 people were detained in roughly five hours. He framed the effort as essential for public safety, arguing that agents are “going where the mission calls” to remove threats from the streets.
Yet, the numbers tell only part of the story. Immigrant advocacy group Siembra NC reported at least 36 confirmed incidents across the city, each involving up to six arrests. Spokesperson Emanuel Gomez-Gonzalez highlighted a troubling pattern: “The target of CBP’s operation in Charlotte… has been workers.” He described detentions of day laborers hanging Christmas decorations in front yards, picking up construction materials at hardware stores, and tending yards at an east Charlotte church. These everyday scenes, he argued, underscore how the raids sow “unnecessary fear and uncertainty” among non-criminal residents.
Protests Erupt Amid Reports of Aggressive Tactics
The arrests have not gone unchallenged. On November 15, dozens of protesters gathered at First Ward Park for the “No Border Patrol in Charlotte” rally, waving signs and chanting in support of the immigrant community. Local officials, including city leaders, urged peaceful dissent, emphasizing that “we can stand up for what we believe in without resorting to violence.” By Sunday, tensions boiled over during a small demonstration outside a DHS office, where two protesters were arrested and taken to an FBI facility. Their attorney, Xavier T. de Janon, noted that charges remained unclear.
Social media has amplified the fallout, with videos flooding feeds showing groups of agents in tactical gear patrolling roads, parking lots, restaurants, churches, and apartment complexes. One widely shared clip captured agents smashing the window of a Hispanic U.S. citizen’s car, handcuffing him, and throwing him to the ground before releasing him. The man, whose identity was not disclosed, was later described by DHS as “erratic” and attempting to distract agents from other migrants. The incident echoes complaints from Bovino’s past operations, where lawsuits in Chicago and Los Angeles alleged excessive force, including chemical agents and a fatal shooting during a traffic stop.
Nonprofits like Camino, which provides services to Latino communities, reported a chilling effect. Spokesperson Paola Garcia said the group’s dental clinic saw nine cancellations on November 15 as clients skipped appointments out of fear. “Latinos love this country,” she said. “They came here to escape socialism and communism, and they’re hard workers and people of faith… It’s just so sad to see that this community now has this target on their back.” Greg Asciutto, executive director of CharlotteEast, described the reports of CBP activity as “overwhelming,” with sightings at houses of worship drawing particular outrage. City council member-elect JD Mazuera Arias called it a “gross violation of people’s right to worship,” noting that churches—meant as sanctuaries—now feel unsafe.
Sanctuary Policies at the Center of the Clash
Charlotte’s location in Mecklenburg County, which does not honor ICE detainer requests, has made it a flashpoint in the Trump administration’s broader immigration push. DHS claims about 1,400 such detainers have gone unheeded statewide, heightening risks to the public. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden, who has clashed with federal agents before, recently touted an “improved relationship” with them. Still, the county’s refusal to assist with enforcement persists, putting it at odds with Washington.
Not everyone opposes the operation. Mecklenburg County Republican Party Chairman Kyle Kirby voiced support on X, stating that the local GOP “stands with the rule of law—and with every Charlottean’s safety first.” Bovino echoed this by sharing images of detainees with criminal histories, positioning the raids as a bulwark against crime. However, advocates point to downtrending crime rates in Charlotte as evidence that the tactics are more about politics than protection.
DHS has provided scant details on the detainees’ fates—where they are held, how long the operation will last, or the full breakdown of arrests. In Chicago, for instance, the agency released information on only a handful of over 3,000 detentions, many involving U.S. citizens. Bovino’s spokesman did not respond to requests for comment.
Ripples Beyond Charlotte
As Charlotte reels, other cities brace for impact. New Orleans is preparing for a similar federal wave, while Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer warned that her North Carolina city could be next. “We believe every person, regardless of immigration status, should feel safe in the community they call home,” she said in a statement. This operation marks Charlotte as the latest in a string of blue cities—joining Chicago and Los Angeles—targeted amid the administration’s aggressive stance on sanctuary jurisdictions.
For now, the web of enforcement tightens around Charlotte’s immigrant enclaves, leaving residents to navigate a landscape of checkpoints and canceled plans. As Bovino’s agents fan out, one question lingers: Will the pursuit of security heal divides or deepen them? In a city known for its growth and diversity, the answer may redefine trust between neighbors and the nation they call home.