CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the conclusion of a significant immigration enforcement operation in the Charlotte area, known as “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” which resulted in the apprehension of over 130 individuals suspected of being in the country illegally within its first two days. This extensive Operation Charlotte’s Web, which saw the deployment of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, focused on targeting individuals with criminal histories, including gang members, with DHS officials stating the goal was to remove “criminal illegal aliens” and enhance public safety. The DHS arrests North Carolina region was the focus of this particular surge in immigration enforcement.
Operation Charlotte’s Web: Scale and Scope of the Immigration Enforcement Surge
The enforcement surge, launched over a weekend, deployed agents across various parts of Charlotte, including South Boulevard, Central Avenue, and Albemarle Road, often near businesses and busy intersections. Reports indicate that over 130 individuals were arrested in the initial two days of Operation Charlotte’s Web, with some initial counts reporting around 81 arrests. Commander Gregory K. Bovino described those taken into custody as having “significant criminal and immigration history”. The operation involved agents in what some described as paramilitary gear, conducting searches in public spaces such as grocery store parking lots and near churches. This was a significant immigration enforcement surge in the Charlotte area.
Targeting Criminal Records in Operation Charlotte’s Web
According to DHS statements, a substantial portion of those arrested, specifically 44 individuals, had documented criminal records. These records allegedly include offenses such as aggravated assault, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault on a police officer, battery, driving under the influence (DUI/DWI), hit-and-run, felony larceny, possession of stolen goods, and shoplifting. Additionally, the operation led to the arrest of two known gang members. DHS has specifically highlighted individuals with prior convictions for offenses like driving while intoxicated, hit-and-run, and aggravated assault, framing them as significant public safety threats.
DHS Rationale: Public Safety and Enforcement of US Immigration Policy
DHS officials, including Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, emphasized that the operation was a necessary measure to protect American communities and uphold the rule of law. “We are surging DHS law enforcement to Charlotte to ensure Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed,” stated McLaughlin. The department also pointed to the issue of sanctuary policies in certain jurisdictions, claiming that nearly 1,400 detainers across North Carolina had not been honored, leading to the release of individuals with criminal records back into communities. DHS asserted that there is “no excuse for allowing criminal illegal aliens to terrorize American communities”, aligning with their broader US immigration policy.
Broader Immigration Enforcement Context and Statistics for Operation Charlotte’s Web
“Operation Charlotte’s Web” is part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy, targeting cities perceived as havens for undocumented immigrants. DHS has frequently stated that a large majority of those apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have criminal records. In line with this narrative, DHS has indicated that “Seventy per cent of Ice arrests are of criminal illegal aliens who have been convicted or have pending charges in the US”. This assertion aligns with previous data showing that in fiscal year 2017, 74% of ICE arrests were of immigrants with past criminal convictions. However, other reports and data analyses suggest that a significant portion of individuals detained by ICE may not have criminal convictions or may have committed non-violent offenses, leading to debate about the agency’s enforcement priorities. The focus on Charlotte immigration was a key component of this strategy.
Community Impact and Official Reactions to Operation Charlotte’s Web
The operation sparked considerable reaction from the Charlotte community and local officials. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles expressed concern, stating that the operation was “causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty” and emphasizing the importance of upholding “rights and constitutional protections of every person in Charlotte — regardless of immigration status”. Protests were organized, and some residents reported fear and anxiety, with certain businesses, like Manolo’s Bakery, choosing to close for the weekend amid the heightened federal presence. The operation also highlighted a departure in coordination, as U.S. Border Patrol spearheaded this particular surge without direct coordination with ICE in the same location, though border protection agents were heavily involved.
Conclusion of Operation Charlotte’s Web
Operation Charlotte’s Web represents a focused effort by DHS to apprehend individuals in the U.S. illegally who allegedly possess criminal records. While DHS maintains the operation is essential for public safety and law enforcement, it has also raised significant concerns among local leaders and community members regarding civil rights and the impact on immigrant populations, especially concerning the rate of illegal alien arrests. The ongoing news surrounding immigration enforcement underscores the complex and often contentious nature of these federal actions within American cities.
