Plaza Midwood on Edge: Immigration Raids Close Businesses and Ignite Protests in Charlotte

The Plaza Midwood neighborhood in East Charlotte has been thrown into fear and uncertainty after a multi-day immigration enforcement operation known locally as Operation Charlotte’s Web. More than 250 people were arrested over four days, and the visible presence of federal agents has prompted dozens of predominantly immigrant-owned businesses to close or limit service amid widespread community alarm.

Empty aisles and locked doors

At Sav/Way Foods, upbeat Spanish music still drifts through the aisles, but the store is unusually quiet. "It’s been really, really slow," employee Bella Duran says as a handful of shoppers move silently through the shelves. Some customers have accepted the store’s free home-delivery offer, while other businesses along Central Avenue hung signs reading "ICE is not welcome here."

Owners, workers and neighbors respond

Manolo Betancur, owner of Manolo’s Bakery, closed his shop after people were tackled outside by men in green uniforms; supporters have continued to buy cakes online as donations. "My biggest concern right now is our children need to have their fathers and mothers next to them," Betancur said.

Other business owners described similar disruptions. Rudy Montero, 72, who runs Sav/Way Foods, said he keeps coming to work despite losses: "Even if we lose money, we need to keep it open if we can." Cervantes Almanza, owner of Panadería Odalys, rolled racks of fresh pastries into the center of his shop to encourage customers while coping with a reduced staff.

Community protests, volunteer patrols and surveillance

Protests grew outside Manolo’s and other businesses as residents rallied to defend neighbors and criticize the raids. Jerry Ortiz, waving a Puerto Rican flag, drew honks of support and some jeers. Volunteers began monitoring school drop-offs and pick-ups and posted at entrances with signs reading "NO ICE". Organizers and parents said they now use encrypted messaging apps to coordinate coverage.

Brandi Yanes, who experienced a similar family separation in 2018, spoke at demonstrations: her daughter has been waking at night with anxiety over the renewed enforcement. "She’s asking, ‘Are my friends going to be OK?’" Yanes said.

Economic toll and local response

Local nonprofit CharlotteEAST estimated heavy daily losses for small businesses: roughly $400 for a small tienda, $500 for a hair salon and up to $5,000 for some restaurants. Executive Director Greg Asciutto said the organization watches over about 400 mom-and-pop shops in East Charlotte, many immigrant-owned, and called the slowdowns severe: "Our whole commercial thoroughfare is shut down."

Day-labor employers and contractors described gaps in the workforce as workers stayed home out of fear. Jesse Pacheco-Anguiano, a home renovation contractor, said Border Patrol agents detained a worker he hired, an incident he recorded and shared with local advocates. He has since joined protests and distribution efforts in the neighborhood.

Neighborhood history and resilience

Residents and local business owners invoked Plaza Midwood’s long immigrant history — from Greek and Italian families to more recent Vietnamese and Salvadoran entrepreneurs — as evidence of the neighborhood’s deep community ties. Dianna Ward, a local tour operator, pointed to headstones and historic homes as reminders that "this has always been an immigrant community."

Despite fear and uncertainty, community members are organizing mutual aid: volunteers hand out pastries, neighbors check on each other, and businesses that can stay open are finding ways to support vulnerable customers. "Every business is doing the same thing to protect the people," said Ricardo Albarrán of La Reina de las Carnitas.

"You know how they say they come for criminals? I think that’s not right. Because we’re here just trying to get a job done." — Jesse Pacheco-Anguiano

The operation has left everyday life on Central Avenue unsettled: stores that once bustled now lock doors, parents wait anxiously at school gates, and a neighborhood long shaped by immigrants grapples with new, immediate fears while organizing protests and practical support for those affected.