Construction sites across North Carolina, particularly in Charlotte and Raleigh, have ground to a halt as immigrant workers stay home fearing arrests by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Dubbed “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” the federal crackdown launched on November 15, 2025, led to over 250 arrests in Charlotte alone by November 20, with operations extending to Raleigh where up to 200 workers vanished from job sites the week of November 17. Even after local officials declared the Charlotte phase over on November 20, fear lingers, delaying booming projects from high-rises to suburban homes.
Operation Details and Arrest Numbers
The raids targeted areas with high immigrant populations, resulting in more than 270 immigration-related detentions by roughly 200 Border Patrol agents in Charlotte. DHS reported that fewer than one-third of detainees—around 90—had criminal records, including DUI, assault, theft, and two gang affiliates, while many others lacked serious convictions. Operations spilled into Raleigh and the Triangle region, with at least a dozen arrests at construction and landscaping sites, prompting workers to skip shifts out of panic. Despite claims of focusing on “the worst of the worst,” videos showed agents detaining laborers at worksites without warrants, fueling accusations of racial profiling.
Labor Shortages Grip Building Industry
North Carolina’s construction sector relies heavily on immigrants, who fill 24-27% of roles statewide and up to 27% in the Raleigh metro area, including 92,000 workers overall. In Charlotte, where 17% of residents are foreign-born and contribute 27% of construction labor, sites emptied as crews hesitated to show up, even legal workers citing a “climate of fear.” Contractor Faiz Fakhry of F2 Construction described his operations as “grounded,” with no one working amid the boom in apartments and homes. Industry leaders warn of broader ripple effects, like stalled bids and higher costs in a state already facing housing shortages.
Community and Economic Fallout
Businesses beyond construction felt the hit: a 28-year-old Charlotte bakery closed for the first time, schools saw 15-21% absences, and Charlotte allocated $100,000 for affected families. Protests erupted, with residents chasing agents and groups like Siembra NC setting up hotlines to monitor raids. Small business advocates demand federal compensation for losses, noting one in five U.S. owners report employee shortages from enforcement. While DHS insists operations continue targeting criminals, local leaders like Raleigh’s mayor noted a pause, but uncertainty persists into late November.
Looking Ahead: Ongoing Tensions
Though Charlotte’s main surge ended around November 21, DHS emphasized raids are “ongoing and will not conclude anytime soon,” raising fears of repeats in growing areas like the Triangle. Construction firms now face a “wait-and-see” mode, balancing labor needs against enforcement risks in a sector where immigrants drive growth. Experts predict higher no-show rates and project delays unless policies address workforce gaps, especially post-hurricanes straining infrastructure.
[1](https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20251128-north-carolina-immigration-crackdown-charlotte-fear-workers)
[2](https://local.newsbreak.com/news/4370905645873-construction-projects-delayed-as-workers-fear-border-patrol-arrests-in-n-c)…