Charlotte, November 20, 2025
Federal authorities have arrested over 250 individuals in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of a new immigration enforcement operation launched on November 15, targeting undocumented residents and those with criminal histories under the administration’s intensified deportation program.
Operation Overview
On November 15, 2025, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) commenced “Operation Charlotte’s Web” in Charlotte, conducting immigration enforcement without coordination with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a departure from previous practices. Initial actions included apprehensions on South Boulevard, where federal agents were seen detaining individuals near local establishments. By November 19, the Department of Homeland Security reported more than 250 arrests, roughly twice the number originally announced.
Broader Enforcement Context
This initiative forms part of a wider immigration crackdown initiated by President Trump’s administration since January 2025, characterized by nationwide deployment of enforcement resources. Detention levels nationwide have reached record highs exceeding 60,000 individuals. Other major urban centers like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, Oregon, have also witnessed substantial immigration arrests, with over 560 made in Portland during October 2025 alone.
Community Impact
The enforcement actions have had marked effects on immigrant communities within Charlotte and the nearby Raleigh region. Reports indicate declines in school attendance and temporary closures of multiple small businesses amid fears of federal scrutiny. An example includes customers at a local laundromat abandoning their clothes in machines after agents were present at a shopping center, highlighting the operation’s chilling influence on everyday activities.
Future Operations
Officials anticipate expanding similar enforcement measures to additional cities, with New Orleans slated for upcoming operations. The Charlotte initiative thus signals a significant escalation in the administration’s strategy to intensify immigration enforcement across U.S. urban centers, affecting both communities and the local economy in tangible ways.