Border Patrol has ended its weeklong enforcement operation in Charlotte and is coordinating with Louisiana officials to mobilize to New Orleans. A senior DHS official said arrests in New Orleans are unlikely to begin until after Thanksgiving, though preparations may start earlier. Separate documents and sources describe a Dec. 1 operation called "Swamp Sweep" that could target roughly 5,000 people across Louisiana and Mississippi. The Charlotte operation, labeled "Charlotte’s Web," resulted in more than 250 arrests and prompted concern among residents and small businesses.
Border Patrol Ends Charlotte Operation, Prepares to Mobilize in New Orleans as “Swamp Sweep” Plans Continue
Border Patrol has ended its weeklong enforcement operation in Charlotte and is coordinating with Louisiana officials to mobilize to New Orleans. A senior DHS official said arrests in New Orleans are unlikely to begin until after Thanksgiving, though preparations may start earlier. Separate documents and sources describe a Dec. 1 operation called "Swamp Sweep" that could target roughly 5,000 people across Louisiana and Mississippi. The Charlotte operation, labeled "Charlotte’s Web," resulted in more than 250 arrests and prompted concern among residents and small businesses.
02:11 AM, 11/21/2025Politics
Border Patrol has concluded its immigration enforcement operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, nearly a week after agents were first deployed to the city, according to officials with the Mecklenburg County sheriff’s office. Local and federal authorities say the agency is now coordinating with Louisiana officials as it prepares to move resources to New Orleans for a new enforcement action.
A senior Department of Homeland Security official said the contingent expected to deploy to New Orleans is unlikely to begin arrests until after the Thanksgiving holiday, although preparatory work may start earlier. Another DHS official indicated the exact start date remains uncertain and could change on short notice.
Planned operation in Louisiana and Mississippi
Documents and three people familiar with a separate plan describe a larger operation targeting Louisiana and Mississippi that is slated to begin Dec. 1. The initiative — referred to internally as "Swamp Sweep" — is reported to aim for as many as 5,000 arrests of people believed to be in the country illegally over the coming weeks.
Officials who spoke about the plans emphasized that details and timelines are still fluid. Two DHS sources said it was not yet clear when local operations initiated in Charlotte would be fully wound down, and that agents could be redirected as priorities evolve.
Local impact in Charlotte
The Charlotte deployment, described in agency communications as "Charlotte’s Web," resulted in more than 250 immigration arrests. The activity triggered anxiety among immigrant communities and some business owners, with reports of family members staying home and small businesses temporarily closing due to concerns about enforcement operations.
These deployments follow a pattern of targeted, high-profile enforcement actions in several U.S. cities. Officials note that in some previous operations many of the people arrested did not have criminal records, which has raised questions and concern among residents and local leaders.
As agents prepare to depart Charlotte, officials say Border Patrol could return later to resume enforcement activities if circumstances warrant. The situation remains dynamic, with federal and local agencies continuing to coordinate as plans develop.