Federal Agents Arrest 81 in Charlotte During Operation ‘Charlotte’s Web’

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents arrested 81 people on Saturday during the first day of an operation known as “Charlotte‘s Web.” Commander Gregory K. Bovino reported the arrests, describing those detained as individuals with “significant criminal and immigration history.”

The operation began early Saturday, with agents conducting arrests across various locations in Charlotte, including busy intersections and near popular businesses. Bovino emphasized the intent behind the operation, stating, “81, many of whom had significant criminal and immigration history, are off the streets.” He further mentioned that additional information on those apprehended would be shared on social media platforms.

By Sunday morning, agents continued their enforcement actions, with Bovino updating on social media about four more arrests. He stated that it is crucial to understand the reason for CBP’s operations, noting, “Criminal illegal aliens shop too…check out who was walking and shopping amongst American citizens today: a violent repeat offender.”

This operation marks the first time that CBP has led such an enforcement initiative in a city without coordinating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Previous ICE operations in Charlotte had not involved Border Patrol, leading to concerns about the impact on the local immigrant community.

Protests erupted shortly after the operations began, with hundreds gathering at First Ward Park in Uptown Charlotte to voice their opposition. Many held signs in both English and Spanish condemning the operations as a source of fear for immigrants. Community organizer Asha Patel expressed frustration with the federal presence, demanding, “We will not tolerate this, and we demand Border Patrol leave our city immediately.”

Bovino indicated that the Border Patrol’s actions in Charlotte were partly a response to local officials’ hesitance to comply with immigration detainer requests. He underlined the necessity of stringent border security measures.

As of now, the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees both border patrol and immigration enforcement agencies, has not commented on the details or duration of the operation.