🔗 Share this article National Officers Launch Immigration Operation in the City of Charlotte Immigration officers have been deployed to the Democratic-run city as part of the Trump administration's expanding crackdown on unauthorized immigration, according to government announcements. The initiative, named "Charlotte's Web Operation", was revealed on recently, with representatives stating that "undocumented criminals" would be targeted in the metropolitan region. "Federal authorities are sending Homeland Security personnel to Charlotte to maintain public safety and remove dangerous individuals," a spokesperson stated. Local officials, including Mayor of Charlotte Li Vyles, published a collective announcement criticising the campaign, saying it was causing "unnecessary fear and uncertainty" in the local population. Operation Details Specialized transport and elite units could be involved in the North Charlotte operation, according to official records. Several church members working on grounds at a church in east Charlotte fled into woods when agents arrived, with an individual being apprehended, according to reports. "We thought church was safe and no incidents would occur," a 15-year-old witness told reporters. Background Situation Since Trump's return to office, national forces have been deployed to several locations including Washington DC, Los Angeles and Chicago to implement the promise of "an unprecedented removal initiative" in American history. The DHS said they are implementing the campaign because the state has not complied with the approximately 1,400 Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees, meaning they had been discharged due to "local regulations". Local Designation This municipality is not a sanctuary city - urban areas that have measures in place to restrict cooperation given to government enforcement - but it is a "designated immigrant-friendly municipality". This is a official classification for urban centers that are focused on diversity acceptance. "President Trump and Secretary [Kristi] Noem will act to safeguard the public when sanctuary politicians won't," officials declared. Demographic Context The city is an ethnically diverse municipality, with about nearly one-fifth of residents being born outside of the country, according to census information. Government agencies has not said how long the operations will continue. The Chicago operation, which commenced several months ago is continuing. Political Reaction Recently, Democratic representative Alma Adams said she was made aware of the initiative and was "deeply worried" about Border Patrol and ICE agents coming to North Carolina. The next city on the federal schedule is set to be the southern municipality, according to sources, and that as many as 200 agents could be dispatched to the city. Campaigns in other municipalities like major urban centers have come under fire over worries about disproportionate measures. Assistance Availability Officials said there are "various agencies available to support individuals seeking legal guidance on immigration matters". Support agencies are prepared to assist affected individuals Local support networks can provide advice on immigration rights Official channels exist for expressing worries about campaigns