 "Local officials said the number of arrests was still unclear but condemned the sweep for “causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty” i(FIle Photo/AFP)")
Federal immigration agents descended on Charlotte on Saturday, carrying out a new round of raids as President Donald Trump continued his national crackdown on illegal immigration. US Border Patrol officers were seen making multiple arrests in North Carolina’s largest city during an operation aimed at what officials described as “violent criminal illegal aliens” in the Democratic-run area. The move drew swift criticism from local leaders.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Americans “should be able to live without fear of violent criminal illegal aliens hurting them, their families, or their neighbours”, adding that the agency was increasing its law enforcement presence in Charlotte to “ensure Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed".
Local officials said the number of arrests was still unclear but condemned the sweep for “causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty” in a community with more than 150000 immigrant residents. In a joint statement, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Mecklenburg County Board Chair Mark Jerrell and Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board member Stephanie Sneed said they stood with residents “who simply want to go about their lives”. They stressed their commitment to protecting “the rights and dignity” of all people in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County and urged residents to understand their legal rights.
Fears rise as federal presence increases
Officials highlighted Charlotte’s diversity, appealed for any demonstrations to remain peaceful and reminded residents to contact local police, who are not involved in the raids, if they needed help. Rumours that federal agents were moving into the city prompted reports of increased Border Patrol and ICE traffic stops since Friday, leading some businesses to close temporarily out of fear.
Mecklenburg County Republican Party Chairman Kyle Kirby supported the operation, saying President Trump “was given a mandate in the 2024 election to secure our borders”. He criticised Democrats for abandoning “their duty to uphold law and order” and insisted that individuals in the country legally “have nothing to fear”.
The Department of Homeland Security has already carried out mass immigration raids in cities across California, Illinois, Oregon and New York, some of which have seen violence directed at federal officers. Last week, an illegal Mexican immigrant allegedly opened fire on Border Patrol agents during operations in Chicago.