Rumors had been swirling through Charlotte for weeks before federal agents made their move.
Residents in immigrant neighborhoods reported unfamiliar vehicles idling at odd hours, men speaking into radios, and unfamiliar faces watching from street corners. Local police received scattered tips about unusual coordination between unmarked units.
By the morning of Nov. 16, whispers of impending raids spread like wildfire, leaving families on edge and unsure what the first day of Operation Charlotte’s Web would bring. The tension hinted not just at arrests, but at a potentially explosive clash between federal enforcement and community fear.
On Nov. 16, Border Patrol confirmed what many had sensed: dozens of criminal illegal immigrants were arrested across North Carolina’s largest city. The sweep marked the opening phase of Operation Charlotte’s Web, part of the Trump administration’s increased immigration enforcement efforts in major metropolitan areas.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the operation deployed additional law enforcement teams specifically to target individuals who had previously been released due to Charlotte’s sanctuary policies. Officials described the arrests as focusing on some of the “worst of the worst” offenders.
Gregory Bovino, commander-at-large for U.S. Border Patrol — previously involved in major operations in Chicago and Los Angeles — shared several arrest details on social media. By Sunday, the count had risen to 81 detainees, with photos of some individuals posted publicly.
One of the first arrests involved a man with multiple drunk driving convictions. “We arrested him to prevent further disregard for the law and to protect the roads you and your loved ones share,” Bovino wrote. Another detainee reportedly had past convictions for aggravated assault, assault with a dangerous weapon, and drunk driving. He had been deported twice before, making his reentry a felony.
Operations led by Bovino in Chicago and Los Angeles had face significant scrutiny, leading to lawsuits, political backlash, and investigations into use-of-force incidents. In Chicago, one operation ended in the fatal shooting of a man after what agents described as violent resistance during a traffic stop — an event that continues to fuel protest and debate.
Local Democratic leaders argue that these federal deployments sow fear among immigrant communities and risk escalating encounters. Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.), who represents Charlotte, voiced concern even before the operation launched. She warned that the tactics seen in other cities — including tear gas and allegations of excessive force — could endanger vulnerable neighborhoods and undermine trust in law enforcement.
In response, Bovino doubled down, stating the mission was clear: “Illegal aliens have NO PLACE in our communities and should self-deport via CBP Home.”
Conclusion
Operation Charlotte’s Web illustrates the administration’s intensified effort to apprehend criminal illegal immigrants in major urban hubs. Supporters argue that these actions protect public safety and remove dangerous offenders from the streets. Critics counter that the methods risk inflaming community tensions, raising ethical concerns, and blurring boundaries between federal power and local autonomy.
As the operation continues, the debate over public safety, civil rights, and the reach of federal enforcement is only expected to intensify.