Federal agents have moved into the city of Charlotte in North Carolina as part of President Donald Trump’s expanded effort to tighten immigration enforcement, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The agency confirmed that large scale operations began over the weekend, marking one of the most significant immigration actions in the region in recent years. In a statement shared on X, US Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino announced that federal agents had arrested at least eighty one people in Charlotte on Saturday. The post quickly drew national attention as images and videos circulated showing federal agents conducting coordinated sweeps in multiple neighborhoods. Local leaders responded with strong concern. Charlotte Mayor Li Vyles and other city officials issued a joint statement criticizing the sudden operation. They argued that the presence of federal agents was causing what they described as unnecessary fear and uncertainty throughout the community. Many residents reported seeing federal agents in tactical gear and unmarked vehicles, which added to the growing tension.
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Since returning to office, President Trump has made immigration enforcement a central priority. He has already deployed troops and federal agents to cities including Washington DC, Los Angeles and Chicago as part of his promise to carry out what he has called the largest deportation program in the history of the United States. On Saturday, the Department of Homeland Security formally announced what it referred to as Operation Charlottes Web. The agency said the mission would focus on what it described as criminal illegal migrants in the Democratic led city. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that federal agents were being sent to Charlotte to ensure public safety and remove individuals who officials consider threats. Internal documents reviewed by CBS News indicated that armored vehicles and specialized tactical teams could be used as part of the action in North Charlotte. This raised concerns among community activists and faith leaders. One report from The Charlotte Observer described an incident at a church in east Charlotte where several members doing yard work ran into nearby woods when federal agents appeared.
A fifteen year old witness said they believed a church property would be a safe place. Local organizations have announced that lawyers and advocacy groups are prepared to offer help to anyone seeking legal support for immigration related issues.According to the Department of Homeland Security, the operation is being conducted because nearly one thousand four hundred Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees had been released in North Carolina. The agency blamed what it called sanctuary policies, although Charlotte is not officially a sanctuary city. Instead, Charlotte is designated as a certified welcoming city, a title given to communities that promote inclusion for migrants. Federal agents have not revealed how long the operation will continue. A similar action in Chicago that began in September is still underway. Representative Alma Adams of North Carolina expressed deep concern about the arrival of federal agents earlier in the week and requested additional information from federal authorities. Reports from CBS indicate that New Orleans is expected to be the next target city, with as many as two hundred federal agents prepared for deployment. Previous operations in cities such as Chicago and Los Angeles have faced criticism over the possibility of excessive force being used.
source:BBC
