Immigration Raids Spread in North Carolina — 200+ Arrests in Charlotte as Officials Warn New Orleans Could Be Next

Rheba Hamilton was drinking coffee on her porch Saturday morning when two landscapers she had hired began stringing lights in her quiet Charlotte neighborhood. A gray minivan screeched to a stop 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 came outside and began recording.

What happened

Federal immigration enforcement has intensified across North Carolina, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reporting that more than 200 people were arrested in Charlotte over three days. Earlier in the operation DHS said roughly 130 people had been arrested and that 44 of them had criminal records, though the agency did not specify whether those records reflected charges or convictions. DHS also listed offenses among those arrested that include alleged 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.

Federal rationale and legal action

DHS said the Charlotte operation was based on prior investigative work, citing concerns including child abuse, trafficking and neglect that had been identified during its investigations. The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina announced federal charges against two men accused of using their vehicles to assault federal officers during enforcement activity; officials said those charges were not related to protests.

Spread and possible expansion

Federal agents have been reported in other parts of the state, including Wake and Durham counties. Local officials say agents have also been seen at hospitals, restaurants and construction sites. According to two sources familiar with planning, Gregory Bovino, a senior Border Patrol official associated with the administration’s enforcement efforts, is expected in New Orleans the first week of December — a sign the operations could expand beyond North Carolina.

Community response

The enforcement activity has prompted protests, a wave of business closures and community mobilization. In Raleigh, protesters gathered at Moore Square carrying American flags and signs reading messages such as “No fear no hate, no ICE in our state” and “Respect due process.” In Charlotte volunteers used tactics similar to groups in other cities — watching for raids, sounding whistles to warn residents and circulating cards that explain legal rights.

Many small businesses temporarily closed out of concern for customers. Greg Asciutto, executive director of a local community development organization, said about half of the mom-and-pop businesses the group works with closed at some point, despite the owners being U.S. citizens. A longstanding Colombian bakery temporarily shut after an incident in which men in tactical gear chased and tackled people nearby, and a program for immigrant and refugee children paused after Border Patrol activity at the site.

Some business owners took protective measures: a laundromat owner locked doors while customers were inside to limit exposure to enforcement actions, saying, “People are just here peacefully trying to do their laundry... They’re only here to make a living and try to get by.”

Schools and civic reaction

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools reported more than 30,000 students absent on Monday — roughly 20% of the district — although the district said it had not been notified of enforcement activity on school grounds. Leaders reiterated that all children have a right to attend public school regardless of immigration status.

Students staged walkouts at several high schools to protest enforcement activity. Local elected officials were sharply divided: Governor Josh Stein and the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners criticized the tactics and expressed support for immigrant communities, while state Republican leaders praised the enforcement and emphasized the need to address criminal activity.

What officials say

“We haven’t gotten any word. We’re not hearing directly from Customs and Border Protection, so we don’t know for sure where they’re going, how long they’ll be here, where else they’re going,” said Governor Josh Stein.

Council member LaWana Mayfield urged neighbors to support one another, saying this is an opportunity to “get to know your neighbors” and help children feel safe.

Outlook

Federal authorities say enforcement decisions derive from ongoing investigations; local leaders and communities are preparing for further activity, including a potential deployment in New Orleans in early December. The operations have ignited a broader debate about public safety, due process and community trust as local governments, businesses and schools respond to immediate disruptions.

Sources: Statements and public briefings from DHS and local officials, and interviews with residents and community leaders.