Border Patrol arrests 250+ in Charlotte as Operation Charlotte's Web draws protests
Border Patrol arrests hundreds despite local police refusing to assist with civil immigration warrants
Operation Charlotte's Web ran from Nov. 15-20, 2025, making over 370 arrests in Charlotte, NC. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino led the operation, reporting directly to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem as 'commander-at-large'—a rank with no statutory basis. DHS said the operation targeted people with criminal histories, including gang members and those convicted of assaults, DUIs, and thefts.
Key Concepts
Essential concepts and terms to understand this topic
Border Exception
Reduced Fourth Amendment protections within 100 miles of the U.S. border where CBP has expanded search powers.
Border Wall
Physical barrier along U.S.-Mexico border for immigration control.
Due Process
The fundamental constitutional requirement that government follow fair procedures and apply laws reasonably to protect life, liberty, and property.
Immigration Enforcement
Government actions to enforce immigration laws, including deportation, detention, border enforcement, and workplace raids.
Key People
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Gregory Bovino
Border Patrol Commander-at-Large
He led Operation Charlotte's Web, reporting directly to DHS Secretary Noem outside the normal Border Patrol command structure. Bovino documented arrests on social media and held press conferences touting the operation's results. In Oct. 2025, Noem created his 'commander-at-large' position—a rank with no statutory basis—specifically to lead interior enforcement operations.
Kristi Noem
Secretary of Homeland Security
She created Bovino's position and directed the Charlotte operation. Noem has pushed aggressive interior enforcement as part of Trump's immigration agenda, deploying Border Patrol—traditionally a border agency—to conduct raids in cities far from the border.
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Vi Lyles
Mayor of Charlotte (D)
She publicly opposed the operation, calling it an 'intrusion' and expressing relief when agents left. Lyles affirmed the city's commitment to protecting 'the rights and constitutional protections of every person in Charlotte—regardless of immigration status.'
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Josh Stein
Governor of North Carolina (D)
He accused Border Patrol of 'racially profiling' and 'stoking fear,' calling on federal agents to 'target violent criminals, not neighbors walking down the street.' Stein took office Jan. 2025, replacing Roy Cooper.
Alma Adams
U.S. Representative (D-NC-12)
She represents Charlotte and condemned the operation as 'an inhumane and unnecessary campaign of terror that disrupted the lives of our entire community.'
Claims & Perspectives
True
True
Border Patrol arrested over 370 people in Charlotte during Operation Charlotte's Web
DHS confirmed 370+ arrests by the end of the operation. Initial reports cited 250+ arrests by Nov. 18, rising to 370+ by Nov. 20 when agents left Charlotte.
True
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police refused to assist with the federal operation
CMPD and the Sheriff's Office confirmed multiple times they were not involved with federal arrests. Charlotte follows a policy of not honoring ICE civil warrants without judicial approval.
True
This was the first time CBP led immigration enforcement without ICE coordination
DHS confirmed Charlotte marked the first city where CBP spearheaded enforcement without coordinating with ICE in the same location—a significant operational shift.
What you can do
Know your rights during immigration enforcement encounters
civic education
The ACLU publishes 'Know Your Rights' guides explaining that everyone—regardless of immigration status—has constitutional protections including the right to remain silent and to refuse searches without a warrant.
Monitor local law enforcement cooperation policies
ongoing monitoring
Check whether your city honors ICE detainers. Some cities require judicial warrants; others cooperate fully with federal immigration enforcement.
Contact elected officials about enforcement policies
civic action
Call your mayor, governor, and congressional representatives to share your views on federal immigration enforcement in your community.