Compare Foods, a grocery store in Charlotte, North Carolina, has launched free grocery delivery programs and other initiatives to protect the immigrant community amid a growing federal crackdown on immigration, The Charlotte Observer reported.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Saturday that its “Operation Charlotte Web” is targeting undocumented immigrants, following similar operations carried out earlier this year in Chicago and Los Angeles. These measures have generated concern among local businesses and immigrant advocacy groups.

On Facebook, Compare Foods posted: “Our goal is for you to receive your products with complete peace of mind, from the comfort of your home, with the same freshness and quality as always. We continue working for you, reinforcing our commitment to the immigrant community that has trusted us for years.”

Newsweek attempted to contact Compare Foods by email on Sunday for further comment, as Charlotte remains a flashpoint in the debate over immigration and security, with approximately one million immigrant residents, nearly 10% of the total population.

Raids and Community Tension

Multiple raids were carried out in Charlotte on Saturday, including one at a church, where CBP and ICE agents detained several people. These actions reflect the tension between federal authorities and local businesses, as the city becomes a focal point of the debate over immigration enforcement and community trust. In response, Compare Foods announced it will offer free grocery pickup and delivery until December 31 to protect the immigrant community. Customers can use the code NOFEE2025 at compareclt.com. The initiative also has the support of Uber, although fees from apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash Groceries continue to apply. The DHS justified the operation by pointing to flaws in sanctuary policies.that would have allowed the release of people with serious criminal records. Under Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “We are deploying a large number of Department of Homeland Security agents to Charlotte to ensure the safety of Americans and eliminate threats to public safety.” The city government,local businesses, and immigrant advocacy groups informed the community of their rights and provided legal resources. Some businesses temporarily closed for safety, the Chicago Tribune reported. Videos from residents, such as Willy Aceituno's, showed agents stopping people and vehicles; Aceituno was released after proving his US citizenship. Similar actions in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland have sparked protests and debates about due process, the targeting of immigrants without criminal records, and the stability of immigrant communities. The federal measures have generated an increase in community solidarity and the search for legal and social support. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, along with local leaders, condemned the raids and reaffirmed her support for all residents, regardless of their immigration status. In a joint statement, Lyles, Board of Commissioners President Mark Jerrell, and School Board Member Stephanie Sneed stated, “We support all residents who simply want to get on with their lives.” Organizations such as Camino, which serves families in Charlotte, confirmed recent arrests of immigrant residents and expressed concern about law enforcement's compliance with their rights. Meanwhile, the duration and intensity of Operation Charlotte's Web remain unclear, and legal and political challenges are anticipated in the coming months. The federal measures have generated an increase in community solidarity and the search for legal and social support. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, along with local leaders, condemned the raids and reaffirmed her support for all residents, regardless of their immigration status. In a joint statement, Lyles, Board of Commissioners President Mark Jerrell, and School Board Member Stephanie Sneed stated, “We support all residents who simply want to get on with their lives.” Organizations such as Camino, which serves families in Charlotte, confirmed recent arrests of immigrant residents and expressed concern about law enforcement's compliance with their rights. Meanwhile, the duration and intensity of Operation Charlotte's Web remain unclear, and legal and political challenges are anticipated in the coming months. The federal measures have generated an increase in community solidarity and the search for legal and social support. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, along with local leaders, condemned the raids and reaffirmed her support for all residents, regardless of their immigration status. In a joint statement, Lyles, Board of Commissioners President Mark Jerrell, and School Board Member Stephanie Sneed stated, “We support all residents who simply want to get on with their lives.” Organizations such as Camino, which serves families in Charlotte, confirmed recent arrests of immigrant residents and expressed concern about law enforcement's compliance with their rights. Meanwhile, the duration and intensity of Operation Charlotte's Web remain unclear,and legal and political challenges are anticipated in the coming months.