U.S. Border Patrol detained more than 130 people in Charlotte during the first 48 hours of a federal immigration operation, officials said. The enforcement action — part of a nationwide campaign — sparked protests, a student walkout and temporary closures of some Latino-owned businesses. Mayor Vi Lyles called for protection of constitutional rights while DHS said the raids followed nearly 1,400 refused requests to hold suspects for up to 48 hours. Videos of arrests circulated widely on social media.
Over 130 Detained in Charlotte During Federal Immigration Operation; Protests Follow
U.S. Border Patrol detained more than 130 people in Charlotte during the first 48 hours of a federal immigration operation, officials said. The enforcement action — part of a nationwide campaign — sparked protests, a student walkout and temporary closures of some Latino-owned businesses. Mayor Vi Lyles called for protection of constitutional rights while DHS said the raids followed nearly 1,400 refused requests to hold suspects for up to 48 hours. Videos of arrests circulated widely on social media.
07:08 AM, 11/18/2025Politics
Overview
U.S. Border Patrol agents detained more than 130 people suspected of being in the country illegally in Charlotte, North Carolina, during the first two days of a federal immigration operation, officials said on Monday. The arrests occurred on Saturday and Sunday as the broader nationwide enforcement campaign intensified in the South.
Operation and Official Statements
Rob Brisley, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), confirmed the figure but offered few details about ongoing activity. He said:
"We will not stop enforcing the laws of our nation until every criminal illegal alien is arrested and removed from our country."CBP did not indicate when the Charlotte operation would conclude.
Local Reaction
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles (D) urged that the constitutional rights and protections of every person in the city be upheld regardless of immigration status, and said city officials were working to support affected residents "while working within complicated legal boundaries." She added on social media:
"To everyone in Charlotte who is feeling anxious or fearful: you are not alone. Your city stands with you."
There were peaceful demonstrations in response to the enforcement action, including a student walkout at East Mecklenburg High School. Videos shared on social media showed arrests in public areas and a clip circulating that appears to show masked agents breaking a pickup truck window and dragging a man from the vehicle.
Community Impact
Several Latino-owned businesses closed over the weekend and remained shut on Monday. Charlotte, a city of about 943,000 people and one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S., draws many residents to higher-paying jobs in finance, technology and logistics.
Political Context
Mass deportation and stricter immigration enforcement have been central to President Donald Trump's domestic agenda. Since January, federal immigration agents have carried out raids in large, predominantly Democratic cities as well as in rural areas, prompting sizable protests and frequent confrontations between agents and civilians who often record the operations.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein (D) sharply criticized the Charlotte operation in a weekend video, alleging the deployment of "masked, heavily armed agents in paramilitary garb driving unmarked cars" and accusing authorities of racially profiling and detaining people in public spaces.
Reason Given by DHS
The Department of Homeland Security said the Charlotte raids were carried out after local officials repeatedly declined nearly 1,400 requests from immigration authorities to hold suspects for up to 48 hours beyond their normal release times so federal agents could take custody.
Reporting: Brad Brooks in Colorado; additional reporting by Jasper Ward in Washington; editing by Donna Bryson.