Federal Immigration Operation in Charlotte
Federal Border Patrol agents have conducted an operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, resulting in over 250 arrests since Saturday. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated this effort "Operation Charlotte's Web." This operation follows similar federal immigration activities previously conducted in cities such as Chicago and Los Angeles earlier this year.
Statements from Federal Authorities
On Wednesday, a DHS spokesperson issued a statement indicating that the operation has led to the arrest of individuals described as "criminal illegal aliens," including gang members. The department previously stated that some of those arrested had prior convictions for various offenses, including assault on law enforcement, driving while intoxicated, theft, and tampering with government documents.
Local Official Responses
North Carolina's Democratic Governor Josh Stein has expressed concerns regarding the federal operation. On Sunday, Governor Stein stated, "We've seen masked, heavily armed agents in paramilitary garb driving unmarked cars, targeting American citizens based on their skin colour, racially profiling and picking up random people in parking lots. This is not making us safer." He has also criticized the operations, alleging that individuals are being targeted based on their race.
Charlotte's Mayor, Vi Lyles, also a Democrat, urged federal agents to conduct their activities with "respect" for the city's values. She acknowledged participants in protests against the federal actions that occurred on Saturday. Mayor Lyles commented, "I am deeply concerned with many of the videos I've seen. To everyone in Charlotte who is feeling anxious or fearful: you are not alone. Your city stands with you."
Duration and Local Impact
DHS has not specified the duration of the Charlotte operation. A similar operation in Chicago began in September and remains ongoing. According to local media reports, some migrants in Charlotte have been staying home due to concerns about federal agents in the city. Governor Stein has indicated he is monitoring reports suggesting that the operation may extend to Raleigh, another North Carolina city. He reiterated a call for federal agents to prioritize targeting violent criminals over other residents.