Federal agents arrest 81 people in Charlotte immigration crackdown

November 17, 2025

Federal immigration agents arrested 81 individuals during a five-hour operation in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, marking the city as the latest target in the Trump administration's expanded immigration enforcement efforts. The operation, dubbed "Operation Charlotte's Web" and led by border official Greg Bovino, focused on individuals with alleged criminal and immigration violations. The raids sparked immediate community backlash, with residents protesting in the streets and North Carolina's Democratic Governor Josh Stein criticizing agents for what he characterized as racial profiling and targeting of citizens.

Who is affected

81 people arrested during the Saturday operation in Charlotte
Charlotte residents who participated in protests
A law enforcement officer allegedly injured by a vehicle
A U.S. citizen arrested for allegedly ramming law enforcement vehicles
Charlotte community members, particularly those of certain ethnic backgrounds referenced in Governor Stein's concerns about racial profiling

What action is being taken

Federal agents are conducting immigration raids and arrests in Charlotte, North Carolina
The Department of Homeland Security is conducting "Operation Charlotte's Web"
Charlotte residents are marching and protesting against the immigration operations
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is publicly denouncing the operations

Why it matters

This represents a significant expansion of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown to mid-sized cities beyond major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and Chicago. The operation raises concerns about civil liberties, racial profiling, and the targeting of U.S. citizens, as highlighted by Governor Stein's allegations that masked, heavily armed agents are racially profiling people in parking lots. The intensity of the operation—81 arrests in just five hours—and the community's immediate mobilization in protest demonstrate the controversial and divisive nature of these enforcement actions.

What's next

The operation will continue, as border official Greg Bovino stated there is "more to come." However, DHS has not specified how long the raids will last in Charlotte.

Read full article from source: BBC