Border Patrol makes over 130 Charlotte arrests as operation enters third day
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Department of Homeland Security during "Operation Charlotte's Web." Photo: Ryan Murphy/Getty Images
Federal Border Patrol agents arrested more than 130 people in the first two days of their Charlotte crackdown, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Why it matters: As "Operation Charlotte's Web" enters its third day, the enforcement effort's impact is visible across the region, from immigrant-owned businesses temporarily closing to videos of arrests circulating on social media, drawing national eyes again to Charlotte.
The latest: Most details of the operation, including how long it will last, remain unclear. Agents are expected to eventually move on to New Orleans, according to multiple outlets.
- A DHS spokesperson tells Axios that agents are arresting "illegal aliens" with criminal records, including 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.
- "We will not stop enforcing the laws of our nation until every criminal illegal alien is arrested and removed from our country," the spokesperson said.
Yes, but: Axios and other outlets are hearing reports of agents at construction sites, Home Depot, international grocery store Super G Mart and various other locations.
- Axios has requested DHS records for names and criminal backgrounds of those apprehended in Charlotte and is awaiting a response.
The big picture: The Trump administration is targeting immigration enforcement in Democratic-run cities like Chicago, Los Angeles and now Charlotte.
- Charlotte, a blue stronghold in a swing state, has garnered more of the president's attention since the August deadly light rail stabbing, which fueled Republican discourse about rising crime in blue cities.
- Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden has also publicly sparred with ICE in the past, saying he would release detainees if ICE did not pick them up in time.
- Border Patrol claims nearly 1,400 detainers across North Carolina have not been honored.
Catch up quick: DHS announced Saturday it was "surging" resources to target undocumented immigrants who came to North Carolina "because they knew sanctuary politicians would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets."
- On Sunday, Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino said 81 people had been arrested in "about five hours" of the operation's launch in Charlotte.
Zoom out: In Chicago, where DHS targeted undocumented immigrants before coming to Charlotte, "Operation Midway Blitz" resulted in 3,000 arrests, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Editor's note: This is a developing story and will be updated.