ICE agents detain a person in a parking lot as a bystander records on video.
(Credit: Siembra NC Press)
(CHARLOTTE) – Federal immigration raids across Charlotte have led to more than 130 arrests and widespread fear in immigrant neighborhoods, according to multiple news outlets and advocacy groups.
According to Reuters, “More than 130 people were arrested in the first 48 hours of a heightened immigration enforcement campaign in Charlotte, North Carolina.” Reuters also reported that agents “arrested 81 people on the first day” of the operation.
OpGov.ai attained unqiue videos,the first of which shows masked ICE agents at Compare Foods.
The Department of Homeland Security has labeled the campaign Operation Charlotte’s Web. According to a DHS press release, the agency launched “a targeted initiative to apprehend violent criminal illegal aliens,” citing more than 1,000 detainers declined by Mecklenburg County.
An automatic email that was sent when emailing the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) regarding the Charlotte ICE raids.
(Credit: Victoria Osborne)
According to the Associated Press (AP), North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said the operation was “stoking fear” and urged residents to “document potential civil rights violations.” AP also reported that “many of those detained had minor offenses or no criminal history,” based on accounts from attorneys and advocates.
Screenshot from an Instagram story showing officers running through a leafy residential street during an apparent ICE operation.
(Credit: Siembra NC Press/GroundGuysCharlotte)
Businesses across east Charlotte saw immediate impacts. The Guardian also stated that, “Businesses in Charlotte’s international corridor reported sharp drops in foot traffic as customers stayed home amid the raids…several Latino-owned grocery stores and bakeries closed early due to fear among customers.”
Community organizations say they have been overwhelmed. After the raids began, Enlace Latino NC and its team received “constant messages from residents reporting the presence of unmarked vehicles and agents in several neighborhoods.” The outlet cautioned residents to verify information before sharing it, adding that “not every message circulating in WhatsApp groups is accurate.”
The Carolina Migrant Network (CMN) said its hotline has seen “an unprecedented surge in calls related to ICE activity in the Charlotte region,” including requests for legal guidance and help locating detained relatives. Siembra NC volunteers have focused on verification. From the group’s public notices, volunteers “are working to verify reports of ICE activity and prevent the spread of misinformation,” urging residents to contact them directly before posting sightings online.
Another sighting sent to OpGov.ai includes agents visit to the El Mariachi restaurant.
Schools have also felt the effects. PBS NewsHour stated, “some parents kept their children home,” and counselors reported “students arriving late or visibly upset” as families debated whether it was safe to leave home. Local law enforcement emphasized they are not participating. According to WFAE, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said, “CMPD does not participate in ICE operations, nor are we involved in the planning of these federal activities.”
ICE officers in tactical gear move through a parking lot during a daytime operation, captured on cellphone video by a bystander.
(Credit: Siembra NC Press)
Speaking to WBTV, CMPD added, “We will become involved in situations where there is criminal behavior or criminal warrants that fall under our jurisdiction.”
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office issued a similar statement. According to Reuters, the sheriff’s office said it had “not been requested to assist with or participate in any enforcement actions.”
Protests formed downtown shortly after the raids began. As was stated by Reuters Connect, “Demonstrators gathered outside a federal building in Charlotte” demanding transparency and protections for immigrant families. Enlace Latino NC continues urging residents to stay calm and avoid sharing unverified information, reminding the community that “not all online sightings are accurate.”
If you have any comments or questions, please contact me at victoria.o@lead4earth.org.
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