Federal agents detain over 130 people in North Carolina amid Operation Charlotte’s Web, sparking local concern and reports of civilian distress.
Federal agents detained more than 130 individuals in Charlotte, North Carolina, last week as part of an intensified immigration enforcement campaign known as “Operation Charlotte’s Web.” The operation, which began on November 19, 2025, has expanded to surrounding areas, including Raleigh and Durham, prompting heightened concern among local residents.
Videos circulating online show some detainees bloodied and resisting arrest, though federal authorities have emphasized the focus is on individuals deemed to pose a criminal threat. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated in a press release, “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and federal agencies continue to target some of the most dangerous criminal illegal aliens as Operation Charlotte’s Web progresses.”
However, many individuals detained have reportedly claimed they have no criminal history and are lawful U.S. residents. The claims, while unverified, have drawn scrutiny from local leaders and civil rights advocates who have called for transparency in the operation.
The campaign is part of a broader wave of enforcement actions under President Donald Trump’s administration, targeting immigrant communities in cities across the United States. In North Carolina, the operation has extended beyond Charlotte to the state capital, Raleigh, and nearby Durham, causing heightened anxiety in neighborhoods with large immigrant populations.
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Speaking at a Raleigh City Council meeting, Mayor Janet Cowell confirmed “sightings” of Border Patrol activity in Wake and Durham counties. She acknowledged uncertainty over the scale and duration of the operation and urged residents to remain cautious and contact local authorities if they felt unsafe. “And just be particularly kind to your neighbors today,” she added, appealing for calm.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, noted in a statement that “the vast majority of people they have detained have no criminal convictions, and some are American citizens,” highlighting concerns over the enforcement tactics.
Residents of Cary, a suburb where approximately 20% of the population was born outside the U.S., reported witnessing agents in large SUVs detaining individuals near a construction site. Local recordings show federal officers interacting with workers, raising further questions about the targeting of non-criminal residents.
The operation has prompted community calls for peaceful response and transparency regarding detention practices. As federal authorities have not disclosed details of ongoing activity, immigrant communities remain on edge, balancing compliance with federal law against fears of arbitrary enforcement.
Operation Charlotte’s Web underscores ongoing tensions in the United States over immigration policy, enforcement practices, and community impact, particularly in areas with high concentrations of foreign-born residents.