ICE arrests 250 people in Charlotte operation targeting upscale neighborhoods and country clubs
Internal documents show only one-third of more than 425 arrestees had criminal records beyond immigration violations
Border Patrol arrested 250+ people across Charlotte starting Nov 15, 2025, in 'Operation Charlotte's Web'—a high-visibility crackdown Trump's DHS framed as targeting 'criminal illegal aliens.' Commander Greg Bovino, who ran similar Chicago raids netting 3,200 arrests, led agents in caravans through neighborhoods, churches, and shopping centers. DHS press releases showcased arrestees with DUI convictions, gang ties, and assault records to justify the operation.
Key People
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Tom Homan
White House Border Czar
He directs aggressive ICE raids at agricultural worksites creating labor shortages, with enforcement policies that deter both unauthorized and legally authorized workers from farm jobs. His actions directly caused food shortage risks that the Labor Department warned about. He co-architected Trump's family separation policy during his first stint as acting ICE director (2017-2018) and received Obama's Presidential Rank Award for record deportations. He has 30 years of immigration enforcement experience and operates as Border Czar overseeing nationwide enforcement operations including Operation Charlotte's Web.
Greg Bovino
CBP Commander-at-Large
He led Operation Charlotte's Web with 250+ arrests, posting arrestee photos on X and promising to 'hit Charlotte like a storm' with caravans of agents in paramilitary uniforms. He has served as a Border Patrol agent since 1996 with Western NC roots and previously led Chicago's 'Midway Blitz' netting 3,200 arrests before federal judges issued civil rights injunctions against his tactics. His Charlotte operation targeted upscale neighborhoods and country clubs, expanding enforcement beyond traditional worksite raids. He publicized the operation on social media before and during enforcement actions.
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Garry McFadden
Mecklenburg County Sheriff
He refused voluntary ICE cooperation but complied with HB 318's legal mandate to notify ICE within 2 hours and hold detainees 48 hours for pickup. He publicly criticized the operation as fear-mongering and has maintained his position against voluntary cooperation since his 2018 election on a platform of ending 287(g) ICE cooperation. He is a former homicide detective turned TV personality known for vocal criticism of Trump immigration policies. His office now serves as a mandatory ICE notification and detention point under state law despite his opposition.
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Thom Tillis
U.S. Senator (R-NC)
He demanded DHS provide full detainee lists, detention durations, and restitution after constituents reported agents entering businesses without warrants. DHS ignored his requests despite his position as a Republican senator representing North Carolina since 2015. He is generally supportive of immigration enforcement but became concerned after constituent complaints about warrant violations and business disruptions. His public demands for accountability demonstrate growing Republican unease with Operation Charlotte's Web tactics.
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Josh Stein
Governor of North Carolina (D)
He vetoed HB 318 as an unconstitutional violation of due process, but the legislature overrode his veto Oct. 1, 2025. He called the Charlotte operation 'not about public safety' but inducing 'widespread fear' among immigrant communities. He served as attorney general before his 2024 election as governor and is known for defending immigration rights and challenging Trump policies in court. His veto was the first major confrontation between the new Democratic governor and the Republican legislature on immigration enforcement.