RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A sweeping immigration enforcement operation in North Carolina, centered around Charlotte, has resulted in more than 250 arrests, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This operation, deemed 'Operation Charlotte's Web,' began over the weekend and reflects the Trump administration's hardline stance on immigration enforcement within Democratic-controlled cities.
The crackdown has not only expanded to areas around the state capital of Raleigh but has also instilled fear within immigrant communities, particularly in suburban areas. Organizers have reported that school attendance has declined and numerous local businesses, primarily those owned by immigrant families, have seen decreased patronage due to the visible presence of federal agents.
On Wednesday, approximately 100 protesters demonstrated outside a Home Depot in Charlotte, one of the many locations where ICE agents have been spotted. Signs proclaimed, 'ICE out of Home Depot, Protect our communities,' showcasing the community's resistance against federal actions targeting undocumented immigrants.
The operation's chilling effects have spread further, impacting Cary, a suburb of Raleigh, where nearly 20% of the population has immigrant roots. Local shops, including a popular Indian grocery store, have reported reduced traffic as fear of confrontation with federal enforcement looms large.
In parallel, preparations for a similar operation in New Orleans are underway, with 250 federal agents expected to commence a two-month immigration enforcement blitz by December 1. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, the prominent figure behind these operations, faces growing criticism regarding strategies employed during these large-scale crackdowns.
DHS has remained tight-lipped about operational specifics, emphasizing the necessity of law enforcement safety by not disclosing potential future operations. As communities grapple with the anxiety stemming from these crackdowns, the push for immigration reform remains a crucial topic for advocacy groups across the nation.
