Additional Coverage:
Charlotte on Edge as “Operation Charlotte’s Web” Leads to Over 130 Arrests
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A recent surge in immigration enforcement, dubbed “Operation Charlotte’s Web” by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has cast a shadow of fear over Charlotte, prompting residents and business owners to take unusual precautions. Since Saturday, over 130 individuals have been arrested in the state’s largest city, with similar operations reportedly extending to Raleigh.
The heightened activity has even American citizens feeling vulnerable. Jonathan Ocampo, a Charlotte resident of Colombian descent, now carries his U.S. passport at all times, a measure he describes as “sad.”
He expresses concern for his father, a citizen of 40 years, fearing he could be targeted due to his Hispanic appearance and “very broken English.” “It’s just scary,” Ocampo stated.
Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell confirmed Monday that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were on the ground in her city, with operations expected to commence as early as Tuesday. She clarified that local law enforcement would not be assisting in these federal actions. In a statement, Mayor Cowell affirmed the city’s commitment “to protecting our residents and to following the law.”
The impact of the enforcement is already visible. A popular Latino bakery in Charlotte remained closed Monday, and several small businesses in a shopping center shuttered their doors after a dramatic incident over the weekend.
Willy Aceituno, a Honduran-born U.S. citizen, recounted to NBC affiliate WCNC how immigration authorities surrounded his car and ultimately shattered his window before pulling him out and to the ground. DHS later accused Aceituno on social media of “trying to distract officers so others could evade the law.”
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that all individuals arrested in North Carolina “have all broken the immigration laws of our country.” She detailed that some detainees possess criminal records, including offenses such as “known gang membership, aggravated assault, possession of a dangerous weapon, felony larceny, simple assault, hit and run, possession of stolen goods, shoplifting, DUI, DWI, and illegal re-entry after prior deportation, a felony.” However, staff at the Carolina Migrant Network are actively working to confirm these claims by tracking down those arrested.
These deployments in Charlotte mirror recent high-profile immigration enforcement actions in other major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Portland, Oregon, and Chicago. Reports from the Chicago Tribune indicated that hundreds arrested in Chicago did not have criminal histories. Ocampo believes Charlotte is not an isolated target, suggesting federal immigration enforcement is focusing on “wherever there is a strong Hispanic presence.”
Community organizations are reporting numerous sightings of Border Patrol agents. On Monday morning, over 20 agents in several trucks appeared outside the community center for ourBRIDGE for Kids, a nonprofit serving refugee and immigrant students. While no children were present at the time, afternoon programs were canceled as a precaution.
Siembra NC, an advocacy group managing an immigration hotline, has reported various arrests, including workers putting up Christmas decorations in a Home Depot parking lot, a grocery store employee, and individuals near churches and apartment complexes.
“This is not about public safety,” asserted Stefania Arteaga, co-executive director of the Carolina Migrant Network. “We are seeing clear racial profiling on our streets and absolute militarization. … This is about causing fear and destroying, really destroying our community.”
Among the incidents confirmed by the group, a pastor at Central United Methodist Church reported an arrest, and a man participating in a church cleanup day outside Weeping Willow AME Zion Church was detained. McLaughlin confirmed the latter individual was hospitalized after a “panic attack” and reportedly attempted to escape, also noting a previous assault arrest.
The atmosphere of apprehension has even impacted church attendance. On Sunday morning, a Spanish-language service at Casa Viva Church was half-empty, with Pastor Alejandro Montez noting that hundreds of congregants chose to stay home “scared about going out because of the situation right now.”
Jeremy McKinney, a North Carolina attorney and former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, confirmed that some of those arrested have been sent to Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia. This privately run facility, located in a rural and isolated area, is often used due to the lack of detention centers in North and South Carolina. McKinney anticipates that overcrowding at Stewart could lead to transfers to Louisiana, further complicating legal access for detainees who may face a week-long wait for attorney meetings.
Manolo Betancur, owner of Manolo’s Bakery in Charlotte, made the decision to keep his business closed on Monday after witnessing Border Patrol agents stopping people outside. “I’m not going to risk my customers,” Betancur told WCNC. “Safety is more important than any money.”