Federal Immigration Crackdown in North Carolina Draws Protests and Concerns

Sat Nov 22 2025 16:12:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent federal immigration enforcement operation in North Carolina resulted in over 250 arrests, causing unrest in immigrant communities and sparking protests.

A federal crackdown on immigration enforcement in North Carolina, particularly around Charlotte and Raleigh, has led to significant arrests and community backlash. Operation Charlotte's Web concluded after nearly a week but has left a lasting impact on immigrant neighborhoods, leading to increased fear and reduced school attendance. The operation, part of an ongoing national effort, was aimed at limiting sanctuary policies and elicited protests from community members and local leaders.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A federal immigration crackdown focused around North Carolina’s largest city, Charlotte, has concluded, leading to more than 250 arrests in the state. The operation, dubbed “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” spanned less than a week but has already made an evident impact on local communities, leaving residents fearful and causing a decrease in school attendance.

As news broke of the operation's conclusion, officials confirmed that no additional raids would take place on a recent Thursday, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden. Federal Customs and Border Protection did not offer immediate comments concerning the operation’s details after it concluded.

The crackdown aimed specifically at cities with sanctuary policies limiting local assistance to federal immigration officials, reflects an aggressive approach adopted by the current administration towards immigration enforcement. Critics of the operation argue that it instills fear among immigrant populations, affecting day-to-day life.

In recent weeks, protests have erupted against the measures, notably in Charlotte where demonstrators gathered outside a Home Depot, expressing their discontent with the increased federal presence. Local leaders, including Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell, reported on social media that the enforcement has apparently been suspended in parts of the city after seeing federal agents in the suburbs.

Locals feel the chilling effect of such crackdowns; small shops have closed their doors, and families are opting to keep children at home, fearing encounters with agents. Similar operations are expected to roll out in cities like New Orleans in December, escalating the national conversation on immigration and enforcement policies.