Federal immigration enforcement in Charlotte is drawing sharp criticism from local leaders and educators, who say recent DHS actions are rattling immigrant communities and keeping children out of classrooms. The effort, known as Operation Charlotte’s Web, has reportedly resulted in more than 200 arrests tied to prior immigration violations. City officials warn the operation is fueling fear and disrupting daily life across the region.
NorthCarolinaAssociation of Educators President Tamika Walker Kelly said school staff have seen a dramatic drop in attendance since the crackdown began. “Our members are reporting that some schools saw 40–50% of students missing. On Monday morning, some children witnessed arrests and bands of armed, militarized police while on their way to school,” she said. “When students are afraid, learning stops for everyone. These raids are not producing safety; they are producing trauma.”
According to city leaders, more than 20,000 students have missed classes during the operation. Mayor Pro Tem Danté Anderson called the absentee surge a crisis for families already working to recover from learning setbacks in recent years…