Charlotte Immigration Raids: 200+ Arrested as Enforcement Spreads — New Orleans Could Be Next

Rheba Hamilton was sipping coffee on her porch Saturday morning when two landscapers she had hired began stringing lights on a tree in her quiet Charlotte neighborhood. A gray minivan screeched to a halt at the corner, two federal agents stepped out and asked the workers for identification. The encounter lasted only moments; the agents left soon after Hamilton began recording with her phone.

What happened

In an update Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said more than 200 people were arrested in immigration operations in Charlotte over the prior three days. Earlier reports indicated that of roughly 130 people initially taken into custody, 44 had criminal records; DHS later provided a list of alleged offenses that included known gang membership, aggravated assault, possession of a dangerous weapon, felony larceny, simple assault, hit-and-run, possession of stolen goods, shoplifting, DUI/DWI and illegal re-entry after prior deportation.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina announced federal charges against two men who allegedly used vehicles to assault federal officers during immigration enforcement actions. Officials said those charges were not connected to protests in the area.

Where enforcement has spread

While Charlotte has been the focal point, federal agents have also been reported in Wake and Durham counties, which include Raleigh and Durham. Local officials say agents were seen at hospitals, restaurants and construction sites in Cary and elsewhere. Two sources familiar with planning told local reporters that senior Border Patrol leadership is expected in New Orleans in early December as part of a broader enforcement effort; the White House has previously discussed possible deployments to other Southern cities.

Community impact

Residents and community leaders describe widespread disruption: many small businesses have temporarily closed, fearful that their customers could be targeted. Greg Asciutto, executive director of Charlotte East, said about half of the mom-and-pop businesses his organization works with closed at some point during the operations. He compared the economic impact to the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

A long-standing Colombian bakery reportedly closed after people in tactical gear chased and tackled individuals outside the shop. A program serving immigrant and refugee children was suspended while Border Patrol was active nearby. One laundromat owner said he locked his doors with customers inside to keep them from being stopped outside.

"People are just here peacefully trying to do their laundry, trying to do their chores and daily activities," said owner David Rebolloso. "I know these folks as my customers... they’re only here to make a living and try to get by."

School attendance dropped sharply: roughly 30,000 students — about 20% of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ enrollment — were absent on Monday. The district said it had not been warned in advance of enforcement activity and reiterated that students have the right to attend public school regardless of immigration status.

Public response and local leaders

Protests formed in downtown Raleigh, and high school students staged a walkout at East Mecklenburg High School. City and county leaders in North Carolina criticized the tactics used by federal agents. Gov. Josh Stein said state officials have reached out to the White House and have not received clear communication from federal authorities about the operations. The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to affirm constitutional protections and express support for immigrant families.

"This is not an issue of policy. This is an issue of morality," said Mecklenburg County Chair Mark Jerrell. "It’s immoral to profile, to tear families apart. It’s not right to have people living in fear..."

At the same time, some state Republican leaders praised the federal enforcement as necessary. On the ground, community members have organized watch groups, blown whistles to warn neighbors, and posted information about legal rights. Local officials urged residents to stay safe and report unlawful activity to local police.

What to watch next

Federal officials have indicated the operations are based on prior investigative work; local sources expect possible deployments to other Southern cities in the weeks ahead. For now, communities in North Carolina are bracing for continued enforcement activity while civic groups, schools and local governments weigh how to protect residents and limit disruptions.