The Department of Homeland Security announced Saturday it launched "Charlotte's Web," a targeted Border Patrol enforcement operation in Charlotte, N.C. Videos on social media showed Border Patrol agents in green uniforms making arrests, and internal documents say scores of agents — possibly using armored vehicles and special teams — are involved. Local leaders, including Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, criticized the action as "causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty." Officials say Border Patrol may next shift operations to New Orleans, with as many as 200 agents planned.
DHS Launches "Charlotte's Web" Operation in Charlotte; Border Patrol Arrests Reported
The Department of Homeland Security announced Saturday it launched "Charlotte's Web," a targeted Border Patrol enforcement operation in Charlotte, N.C. Videos on social media showed Border Patrol agents in green uniforms making arrests, and internal documents say scores of agents — possibly using armored vehicles and special teams — are involved. Local leaders, including Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, criticized the action as "causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty." Officials say Border Patrol may next shift operations to New Orleans, with as many as 200 agents planned.
12:29 PM, 11/16/2025Politics
DHS launches "Charlotte's Web" enforcement operation in Charlotte, N.C.
The Department of Homeland Security announced on Saturday that federal immigration agents have begun a targeted enforcement operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, called "Charlotte's Web." The deployment marks the latest phase of the administration's expanded efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.
DHS said the operation includes teams of Border Patrol agents and named Commander Gregory Bovino — who led a controversial, multiweek enforcement effort in the Chicago area — among those expected to participate.
Tricia McLaughlin, DHS spokeswoman: "We are surging DHS law enforcement to Charlotte to ensure Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed. There have been too many victims of criminal illegal aliens."
Videos posted to social media on Saturday appeared to show Border Patrol agents in green uniforms conducting arrests across the Charlotte region. Internal government documents obtained by CBS News indicate that scores of agents are expected to take part and that the deployment could include armored vehicles and special operations teams.
The operation has drawn swift criticism from local Democratic officials. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and other community leaders said the action is "causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty" among residents and raised concerns about coordination with local authorities and the impact on immigrant communities.
DHS officials said Border Patrol's next focus may shift to New Orleans, where up to 200 agents could be sent for an operation reportedly dubbed the "Catahoula Crunch."
What to watch
Community organizations, civil-rights groups and local law enforcement will likely monitor the operation for reports of detentions, civil-rights complaints and the degree of cooperation between federal and local agencies. Local leaders have called for transparency and clear information for residents about the enforcement actions.