Operation Charlotte’s Web: Border Patrol Sweep Sparks Fear, Business Closures and Legal Concerns in Charlotte

Border Patrol Sweep in Charlotte Leaves Community on Edge

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A weekend immigration enforcement operation dubbed "Operation Charlotte’s Web" has led to more than 130 arrests in Charlotte, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The sweep has unsettled residents, prompted small businesses to close and raised concerns among advocates and attorneys about access to legal counsel and possible racial profiling.

Residents Describe Fear and Disruption

Jonathan Ocampo, who has lived in Charlotte for six years, said he now carries his U.S. passport everywhere. "I’m carrying it here right now, which is sad," he told reporters, adding that he fears his father — a long-time resident with limited English — could be targeted for appearing Hispanic.

Several businesses, including a popular Latino bakery, remained closed Monday out of concern over Border Patrol activity. Manolo Betancur, owner of Manolo’s Bakery, said he did not open after witnessing agents stop people outside his shop. "Safety is more important than any money," he told local media.

Video and Allegations Prompt Local Outcry

Witnesses and video shared with local media show an incident in which agents shattered a car window and detained Willy Aceituno, a Honduran-born U.S. citizen. Aceituno said agents surrounded his vehicle after he noticed them chasing two people and asked about his immigration status; he recorded the encounter as agents approached. DHS later posted that Aceituno was "trying to distract officers so others could evade the law."

Officials say some detainees have criminal records or allegations that include gang affiliation, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon, felony larceny, hit-and-run, DUI/DWI and illegal re-entry after deportation. Local legal groups are working to verify those claims.

Impact on Churches, Community Centers and Schools

Advocates reported arrests and stops near churches, apartment complexes and stores. OurBRIDGE for Kids, which runs after-school programs for refugee and immigrant children, canceled afternoon programming after witnesses recorded more than 20 Border Patrol agents arriving outside the center. No children were present during the morning visit.

Siembra NC and the Carolina Migrant Network said some detained people included workers putting up holiday decorations in a Home Depot parking lot, a grocery store employee and volunteers helping at church cleanups. A pastor reported an arrest to a legal hotline, and one man detained during a church cleanup reportedly suffered a panic attack and was hospitalized.

Detention, Legal Access and Transfers

Attorneys confirmed some arrestees were transferred to the privately run Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia — an isolated facility about 2½ hours south of Atlanta commonly used for people arrested in the Carolinas. Because Stewart is crowded, lawyers expect some detainees may be sent to facilities in Louisiana, complicating access to legal counsel. Jeremy McKinney, former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said detainees can face long waits to meet attorneys because of distance and limited visitation.

Reactions from Advocates and Authorities

Advocacy leaders called the operation "militarized" and said it amounts to racial profiling that undermines community trust. "This is about causing fear and destroying, really destroying our community," said Stefania Arteaga of the Carolina Migrant Network.

For its part, DHS maintained that the arrests targeted individuals who violated immigration laws and said some detainees have criminal histories. The agency described the effort as an enforcement operation focused on public safety and immigration violations.

The sweep has left many Charlotte residents, business owners and religious communities alarmed and searching for information about detained loved ones. Local legal and advocacy groups continue to track arrests and provide guidance to those affected.

Reporting: Nicole Acevedo, Ryan Chandler, Suzanne Gamboa and Julia Ainsley contributed to coverage.