U.S. Border Patrol Expands Operations in Charlotte, N.C.

Federal agents from the U.S. Border Patrol initiated a significant operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, on March 16, 2024, targeting immigrant communities within the city. This action marks an extension of the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration to another Democrat-led city. The operation, referred to as “Charlotte’s Web,” has raised concerns among local officials and residents, many of whom felt blindsided by the federal presence in their community.

Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina, has seen rapid growth and diversification over the past decade. As news of the operation spread, many immigrant hubs became deserted, with El Salvadoran restaurants closing their doors and street vendors, who typically operate on weekends, absent from their usual spots. Residents shared videos of masked Border Patrol agents conducting searches at local businesses, including Home Depot, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

Gregory Bovino, a senior official in the U.S. Border Patrol, led the operation. He has previously overseen similar initiatives in Chicago and Los Angeles, which faced backlash over aggressive tactics. On the day of the operation, Bovino was spotted in a Home Depot parking lot, accompanied by numerous agents. As he interacted with onlookers, one resident questioned the presence of federal agents in a place where people were merely shopping. An agent responded that they were “searching for criminals,” but the operation’s broader implications remain unclear as of early Saturday afternoon.

Local officials, including Vi Lyles, the mayor of Charlotte, and Mark Jerrell, chair of the Mecklenburg County commissioners, issued a statement expressing their concerns. They noted that the operation was instilling “unnecessary fear and uncertainty” in the community, particularly as past operations in other cities had resulted in the detention of individuals without criminal records and violent protests.

In a statement, Josh Stein, the Democratic governor of North Carolina, urged residents to maintain peaceful protests in response to the operation. A demonstration on the same day drew hundreds of participants, many wrapped in Mexican flags. Stein emphasized that “public safety is the top priority” and criticized the federal approach, stating that it should focus on apprehending violent criminals rather than creating fear.

On the other hand, Kyle Kirby, chair of the Mecklenburg County Republican Party, defended federal law enforcement efforts, asserting that Democratic leaders were inflating fear and spreading misinformation. He argued that vilifying officers who enforce immigration laws undermines public trust and endangers those on the front lines.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg area has become one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States, driven largely by immigration, particularly from Latin America. Since 2020, over 50,000 immigrants have moved to the county, contributing to a foreign-born population of about 190,000. The Hispanic population in the region has surged by 22% since 2020, underscoring the community’s increasing diversity.

Responding to the operation, Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, stated that agents were targeting criminals to enhance public safety. She emphasized that “Americans should be able to live without fear of violent criminal illegal aliens hurting them, their families, or their neighbors.”

Personal accounts from residents illustrate the operation’s impact. Willy Aceituno, a 46-year-old citizen who has lived in Charlotte for 24 years, described an encounter with agents as he was heading to breakfast. After initially engaging the agents in a light-hearted manner, he confirmed his citizenship to avoid complications. However, shortly after, another group of Border Patrol agents approached him, demanding documentation and ultimately breaking his driver’s side window before temporarily detaining him.

Local residents expressed apprehension about the situation. Rheba Hamilton, a 73-year-old resident, attempted to dissuade her landscaper from working that weekend due to the operation but ultimately allowed him to proceed with his job. Moments after he arrived, Border Patrol agents showed up, prompting her to record the encounter. Although the agents left without detaining him, the incident left her feeling anxious about the potential risks faced by workers in similar situations.

As the operation continues, there is uncertainty regarding its duration, with reports indicating that federal agents may next target New Orleans. The situation in Charlotte reflects broader tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in communities across the United States, particularly those with substantial immigrant populations.