The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Monday the deployment of additional federal resources to North Carolina as part of Operation Charlotte's Web, a strategy aimed at locating and detaining suspected undocumented immigrants who, according to the government, have criminal records and have been released by local authorities due to sanctuary policies.

Nearly 1,400 ICE detainers

According to the official statement, jurisdictions with sanctuary policies in North Carolina have reportedly dropped nearly 1,400 detainers issued by ICE, allegedly allowing undocumented individuals with criminal records to return to the streets.

DHS maintains that this situation has turned Charlotte into a magnet for those seeking to avoid deportation.

Police reinforcement in Charlotte

The operation, which involves an accelerated mobilization of federal agents, will focus on the Charlotte metropolitan area, although it could extend to other counties where federal notifications have not been complied with.

Tricia McLaughlin, Under Secretary of Homeland Security, justified the operation by saying that the goal is to reduce risks to local communities. “Americans should be able to live without fear of being harmed or harmed by criminal illegal immigrants,” he said, without showing any evidence or the criminal records of the alleged undocumented immigrants mentioned.

Political clash over sanctuary policies

The announcement deepens the confrontation between the federal government and local authorities who refuse to cooperate with arrests requested by ICE.

Local governments that support sanctuary policies argue that they foster trust between migrant communities and the police, while DHS insists they pose a risk to public safety. On Saturday, multiple raids were conducted in Charlotte, 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 total, US immigration agents arrested more than 130 people, a federal official told McLaughlin on Monday, while the governor warned that the crackdown is simply “stoking fear.” The agency indicated that the detainees' backgrounds included gang membership, aggravated assault, shoplifting, and other offenses, but did not specify how many cases resulted in convictions, how many people faced charges, or any other details. 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 Chairman Mark Jerrell, and School Board Member Stephanie Sneed said, “We support all residents who simply want to get on with their lives.” Congresswoman Alma Adams expressed great concern about the presence of ICE and Border Patrol in the city. She noted that Charlotte's immigrant community is an essential part of the social fabric and assured that she would not allow intimidation of her constituents during the operation. Similar actions in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland have sparked protests and debates about due process, the persecution 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. Along with local leaders, he condemned the raids and reaffirmed his support for all residents, regardless of their immigration status. In a joint statement, Lyles, Board of Commissioners Chairman Mark Jerrell, and School Board Member Stephanie Sneed said, “We stand with all residents who simply want to get on with their lives.” Congresswoman Alma Adams expressed great concern about the presence of ICE and Border Patrol in the city. She noted that Charlotte's immigrant community is an essential part of the social fabric and assured that she would not allow intimidation of her constituents during the operation. Similar actions in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland have sparked protests and debates about due process, the persecution 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. Along with local leaders, he condemned the raids and reaffirmed his support for all residents, regardless of their immigration status. In a joint statement, Lyles, Board of Commissioners Chairman Mark Jerrell, and School Board Member Stephanie Sneed said, “We stand with all residents who simply want to get on with their lives.” Congresswoman Alma Adams expressed great concern about the presence of ICE and Border Patrol in the city.She noted that Charlotte's immigrant community is an essential part of the social fabric and assured that she would not allow intimidation of her constituents during the operation. Similar actions in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland have sparked protests and debates about due process, the persecution 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.