DHS Makes 130 Arrests in Charlotte Operatio

130 Arrested in Two-Day Immigration Operation in Charlotte

Federal agents arrested 130 people over two days in Charlotte, North Carolina, during an ongoing federal immigration crackdown. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the arrests and stated that the operation targeted individuals with criminal histories and gang affiliations.

Large Number of Arrests in Short Timeframe

Greg Bovino, a federal border official, reported that 81 of the 130 arrests occurred during a five-hour period on Saturday. Bovino has been publicly sharing updates about the enforcement effort, which he referred to as “Operation Charlotte’s Web.” DHS stated that the operation resulted in the arrest of two documented gang members. Additional individuals taken into custody had prior convictions ranging from assault on law enforcement to driving while intoxicated, theft, and tampering with government documents.

Incident Involving Injured Officer

DHS reported that a U.S. citizen allegedly injured an officer by ramming a law enforcement vehicle during the operation. The agency later released video of a white van fleeing from police. According to DHS, the driver struck police cars while attempting to escape and was arrested shortly afterward.

Local Leaders Respond to Enforcement Activity

Residents in Charlotte held a protest on Saturday in response to the arrests. Mayor Vi Lyles said community members felt threatened and destabilized by the federal presence in the city. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein also criticized the operation, citing concerns about the conduct of federal agents.

Ongoing Crackdown with No End Date Announced

DHS has not specified how long the Charlotte raids will continue. Similar enforcement efforts in Chicago, which began in September, are still active. The agency stated that the broader federal crackdown in cities, suburbs, and smaller communities has contributed to a decline in illegal border entries.