Charlotte, N.C. – November 15, 2025
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initiated a wide-ranging immigration enforcement operation across Charlotte on Saturday, marking the city as a key focus for the agency’s expanded activities outside traditional border areas. The first day of the operation saw 81 arrests, stirring a complex mix of reactions from local residents, officials, and advocacy groups.
The CBP operation, dubbed “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” represents a strategic pivot as Border Patrol leads enforcement efforts in Charlotte without direct coordination with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the ground. While ICE has executed immigration arrests in Charlotte before, this marks the first time CBP spearheads such an action independently within the city limits.
Operation Details and Initial Impact
Agents began the enforcement early Saturday morning, focusing efforts on various parts of the city, including busy commercial districts such as South Boulevard. Witnesses reported tense scenes, with Border Patrol agents in tactical gear actively pursuing and arresting individuals suspected of immigration violations.
Willie Acuitno, a Honduran-born U.S. citizen, recounted an unsettling experience during the operation while grabbing breakfast near Baleada Bar and Grill. Although possessing valid documentation, Mr. Acuitno says he was stopped twice by Border Patrol agents during the chaotic hours. He described the moment as tense and reported physical scars from the encounter. His story underscores concerns about the operation’s impact on both immigrant and citizen communities alike.
Community Reaction and Official Responses
Local immigrant advocacy groups have voiced strong opposition to “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” highlighting fears over racial profiling, disruptions to community cohesion, and potential civil rights violations. Many argue that the aggressive enforcement approach threatens to erode trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement.
Conversely, supporters of the operation emphasize law enforcement’s responsibility to uphold immigration laws and maintain border security, positioning Charlotte’s involvement as part of a broader national strategy to address unauthorized immigration beyond border states.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released statements noting their efforts to inform communities about the enforcement activities through social media channels and public notices, aiming to minimize disruptions while enhancing compliance.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
This new approach in Charlotte signals a potential shift in national immigration enforcement tactics, with Border Patrol increasingly operating within interior urban centers. The success and fallout of the Charlotte effort may influence deployments in other cities across the country.
As Saturday’s figures show 81 arrests within a single day, questions remain regarding detainee treatment, the nature of charges, the coordination with local authorities, and long-term plans for the detainees involved.
Local officials and civil rights organizations plan ongoing monitoring of the operation’s impact, advocating for transparency and adherence to due process rights. Community meetings and legal aid services are gearing up to address anticipated needs arising from the enforcement.
The operation continues as authorities weigh the balance between enforcing immigration laws and safeguarding the civil liberties and safety of all Charlotte residents.