Federal ICE Surge Hits North Carolina With 250+ Arrests
A major federal immigration sweep has hit North Carolina, resulting in more than 250 arrests across the Charlotte area, according to federal officials. The operation—widely referred to as “Operation Charlotte’s Web”—began around November 15 and is one of the largest enforcement actions the state has seen in years.
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What’s Confirmed
Teams from ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) carried out targeted arrests in Charlotte neighborhoods and later moved toward the Raleigh area. Federal officials say the effort focused on people they label as “criminal illegal aliens,” but they have not released names, charges, or criminal histories tied to the arrests.
Some reports suggest the total number could be higher—possibly over 370—but federal agencies haven’t provided a final count.
Is the Operation Over?
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office said the Border Patrol phase inside Charlotte has ended. But federal officials contradicted that, saying enforcement in North Carolina is still ongoing, fueling public confusion about the operation’s status.
Little Public Information
So far, federal authorities have not disclosed:
Who was arrested
What charges they face
Where detainees are being held
Families and legal advocates say many of those detained are not appearing in federal detainee locator systems, raising transparency concerns.
Community Impact
The sweep has led to business closures, empty streets in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods, and increased fear among families. Some parents have kept children home from routine activities amid uncertainty about continued enforcement.
What’s Next
Federal officials have not announced an end date or next steps. It’s unclear whether further actions will expand across North Carolina or shift to other states.
For now, residents and local leaders are waiting on clearer information about the scope of the operation and the final arrest numbers.