UPDATE: Federal agents have launched a significant immigration enforcement operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, dubbed Operation Charlotte Web, despite strong opposition from local leaders. A surge of agents arrived on November 15, 2025, conducting arrests amidst protests and heightened tensions in the community.
Eyewitnesses have reported multiple incidents where masked agents apprehended residents. One witness, Paula Walker Coleman, captured alarming footage of an arrest in a parking lot and described the scene to ABC News. “She was close to their car recording and her hand hit their car while recording so they jumped out the vehicle,” Coleman recounted, highlighting the aggressive nature of the enforcement.
The operation, led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection commander-at-large Greg Bovino, aims to remove public safety threats posed by undocumented immigrants. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated, “We are surging DHS law enforcement to Charlotte to ensure Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed.”
Local officials, including North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, have condemned the operation. Governor Stein expressed concerns that the federal focus is misdirected. “We should all focus on arresting violent criminals and drug traffickers,” he stated, urging a more targeted approach to law enforcement.
Mayor Lyles, along with Charlotte’s Board of County Commissioners chair Mark Jerrell and local board of education chair Stephanie Sneed, released a joint statement emphasizing the importance of community safety. “It is critical for all residents to feel secure in our community,” they asserted, urging that no one should live in fear while going about their daily lives.
Adding to the tension, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed that they are not involved in the federal operation. “CMPD officers are not authorized to assist with Immigration and Customs Enforcement administrative warrants,” the department stated, reinforcing their separation from federal actions.
In response to rising concerns, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer warned her city may also be targeted by ICE, stating, “We believe every person, regardless of immigration status, should feel safe in the community they call home.”
As the situation unfolds, local communities are mobilizing to respond. Activists are encouraging residents to document federal agents’ actions and to remain vigilant. Officials continue to insist on the importance of peaceful protest against what they describe as an invasion of their city.
The immediate impact of this operation is palpable, with fear and uncertainty gripping many residents in Charlotte and surrounding areas. As this story develops, the community’s reaction and the federal response remain critical to watch. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
