Operation Charlotte’s Web: Federal immigration raids sweep through Charlotte, targeting over 130 suspected undocumented residents

Federal agents detained more than 130 people suspected of being in the United States illegally during a two-day operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, officials said, marking the latest escalation in President Donald Trump’s nationwide immigration enforcement push.

The raids, dubbed Operation Charlotte’s Web by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), targeted multiple sites across the Democratic-leaning city of nearly 950,000 residents, a major financial hub in the Southeast. Agents were seen outside churches, apartment complexes, and along busy shopping corridors as the enforcement unfolded.

“We are increasing the presence of DHS law enforcement in Charlotte to keep Americans safe and remove threats to public safety,” Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said.


Of the more than 130 people detained in Charlotte, 44 have criminal records, including two gang members. Alleged offenses range from DUI, assault, trespassing, larceny, and hit-and-run, with one detainee a registered sex offender

What is Operation Charlotte’s Web?

Operation Charlotte’s Web is the name given by the Department of Homeland Security to the recent immigration raids in Charlotte, North Carolina. The operation, led by DHS commander Gregory Bovino, involved large-scale detentions of individuals suspected of being in the US illegally, including those with criminal records.

The name references the classic children’s book Charlotte’s Web, though in this context, the “web” represents a federal dragnet rather than a saving hand. The raids targeted homes, churches, and public areas across the city.

“Wherever the wind takes us. High, low. Near, far. East, west. North, south. We take to the breeze, we go as we please,” Gregory Bovino, the DHS commander leading the raids, said.

He added, “This time, the breeze hit Charlotte like a storm. From border towns to the Queen City, our agents go where the mission calls.”

Why is the raid happening?

The raid is being carried out as part of the Trump administration’s nationwide immigration enforcement push, with officials saying it targets individuals who pose public safety risks or have criminal records.

DHS cited Charlotte’s failure to honor nearly 1,400 requests to hold people for up to 48 hours after release, which would have allowed immigration agents to take them into custody. While officials link the operation to crime prevention, local data shows overall crime in Charlotte has been declining, leading to criticism from city leaders and civil rights groups.

The raids drew heightened attention after Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed on a Charlotte light-rail train this summer, though the suspect was a US citizen.