Over 250 Arrested in North Carolina Immigration Raids Around Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – Federal authorities have arrested more than 250 people in a major immigration enforcement operation centred around Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina. The crackdown, which began over the past weekend, is part of a nationwide push by the federal government targeting people living in the United States without legal permission.

The operation, named Operation Charlotte's Web, involved federal agents and immigration officials working across Charlotte and nearby areas. The arrests reportedly include people who allegedly have criminal records, though officials have not provided detailed information about those detained.

The crackdown is the latest in a series of aggressive immigration enforcement actions under Republican President Donald Trump’s administration. Since January, federal immigration efforts have expanded to multiple cities across the country, from large Democratic-run cities like Chicago and Los Angeles to smaller towns. These actions have raised the total number of people in federal detention to record highs above 60,000.

In North Carolina, the enforcement initially focused on Charlotte but later spread to areas around Raleigh, the state capital. The sudden presence of immigration agents created fear in immigrant-heavy communities. Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell confirmed that, by late Wednesday, border patrol activities appeared to have been suspended in the city, though federal authorities did not provide an official update.

Federal officials have not shared full details about the enforcement operations, including the scope of the raids, specific locations targeted, or where agents may appear next. The secrecy has left communities on edge, with residents expressing concern about potential future actions.

The Charlotte operation has also faced resistance, with small protests and community pushback against the arrests. Immigration advocacy groups continue to monitor the situation closely, calling for clarity and transparency in federal enforcement practices.

Officials say the raids are aimed at targeting the most dangerous criminal illegal aliens, but the broad sweep has included many people living in the U.S. without legal permission. The enforcement efforts highlight ongoing tensions in the country over immigration policies, as cities and states navigate the balance between federal law enforcement and protecting local communities.