Charlotte Immigrants Crackdown: DHS Targets High-Risk Suspects
Major Federal Sweep Hits Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A major federal immigration sweep in Charlotte has led to more than 130 arrests in just two days, creating one of the most high-intensity enforcement operations the city has seen in years.
Homeland Security officials say the mission targeted individuals with serious criminal histories and those with multiple immigration violations who had previously evaded federal custody.
Operation Charlotte’s Web Launched
Federal Teams Deployed Across the City
The coordinated action — known internally as “Operation Charlotte’s Web” — began late last week as teams from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Border Patrol, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) fanned out across Charlotte.
Agents executed planned arrests in residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and parking lots, focusing on long-time fugitives and high-priority targets.
Focus on High-Risk Offenders
DHS reported that many of those detained had prior charges such as assault, impaired driving, felony theft, firearm possession, and illegal re-entry after removal.
Officials say the goal is to remove individuals who “pose a clear risk to public safety” or have repeatedly ignored immigration court orders.
Why Charlotte Was Targeted
Rising Number of Unhonored Detainers
Federal officials pointed to nearly 1,400 immigration detainers in North Carolina that local jails did not honor — a trend DHS says left them “no choice” but to conduct direct field operations.
Because those detainees were not transferred to federal custody, agents carried out community-level arrests to locate them.
Community Reaction and Rising Tensions
City Leaders Urge Protection of Rights
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles called for federal agencies to uphold constitutional safeguards and ensure humane treatment during the operation.
Her message came as families across immigrant communities expressed worry about safety and uncertainty about what could happen next.
Reports of Aggressive Tactics
Residents reported sightings of unmarked SUVs, masked officers, and arrests occurring outside stores, in apartment complexes, and near workplaces.
Several Latino-owned businesses temporarily closed their doors as a precaution while community leaders organized emergency assistance efforts.
Concerns Over Possible Mistakes
Civil-rights groups say they have received multiple reports of U.S. citizens being questioned during the sweeps.
Advocates are now demanding greater transparency from DHS and assurances that no lawful residents were wrongfully detained.
Federal Response
DHS Stands by the Operation
Homeland Security officials defended the sweep, emphasizing that their efforts are focused on individuals with criminal backgrounds or long-standing immigration violations.
According to DHS, the operation will continue “until priority targets are located and detained.”
What Happens Next
No Clear End Date
DHS has not provided a timeline for when the operation will end.Officials have hinted that enforcement activity could expand to Raleigh and additional regions across North Carolina in the coming days.
Legal Aid Groups Prepare for More Cases
Local legal organizations and immigrant-support groups have mobilized to offer emergency legal advice, help families locate detained loved ones, and monitor potential due-process issues that may arise.
Charlotte Remains on Alert
With arrests ongoing, community members are being advised to stay informed, know their legal rights, and seek professional help if contacted by federal agents.
The operation has intensified debate over immigration enforcement in cities far from the border — and raised questions about how federal and local authorities will coordinate moving forward.
