The Department of Homeland Security launched an enforcement operation called "Charlotte's Web" in Charlotte, N.C., over the weekend as part of the Trump administration's wider immigration crackdown. Videos circulated on social media showing Border Patrol arrests, and DHS reported 131 arrests by Monday afternoon — a total that includes both Border Patrol and ICE actions. Internal documents indicate the operation could use armored vehicles and special operations teams. Local leaders, including Mayor Vi Lyles, criticized the operation for creating fear and uncertainty, and officials say the next focus will be New Orleans for a planned operation called the "Catahoula Crunch."
DHS Launches 'Charlotte's Web' Immigration Operation in Charlotte; 131 Arrests Reported
The Department of Homeland Security launched an enforcement operation called "Charlotte's Web" in Charlotte, N.C., over the weekend as part of the Trump administration's wider immigration crackdown. Videos circulated on social media showing Border Patrol arrests, and DHS reported 131 arrests by Monday afternoon — a total that includes both Border Patrol and ICE actions. Internal documents indicate the operation could use armored vehicles and special operations teams. Local leaders, including Mayor Vi Lyles, criticized the operation for creating fear and uncertainty, and officials say the next focus will be New Orleans for a planned operation called the "Catahoula Crunch."
10:10 AM, 11/18/2025Politics
DHS begins enforcement operation in Charlotte
The Department of Homeland Security announced that federal immigration agents began operations in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday under an initiative the agency has named "Charlotte's Web." Officials say the deployment is part of the Trump administration's broader effort to crack down on undocumented immigration.
DHS confirmed that teams of Border Patrol agents — and agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — have been active in the region. Videos posted on social media showed green-uniformed Border Patrol officers making arrests across the Charlotte area. As of Monday afternoon, DHS reported 131 people had been arrested; that total includes arrests made by both Border Patrol and ICE.
"We are surging DHS law enforcement to Charlotte to ensure Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed," DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said. "There have been too many victims of criminal illegal aliens."
According to internal government documents obtained by CBS News, the operation could involve scores of Border Patrol agents and the deployment of armored vehicles and special operations teams. Local media and community groups also reported that some detainees have claimed they possess legal immigration status or paperwork, a point that local leaders have emphasized.
Local reaction and next steps
The operation drew swift criticism from Democratic officials in North Carolina. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and other local leaders issued a joint statement saying the effort is "causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty" among residents and communities of immigrant background.
Officials said Border Patrol's focus will shift next to New Orleans, where up to 200 agents are expected to be deployed for an operation reportedly dubbed the "Catahoula Crunch." The planned movement of resources underscores the administration's stated priority to expand interior enforcement operations beyond border regions.
This developing story involves multiple agencies and fast-moving operations; DHS numbers and local reports may be updated as officials provide new information.