Sheriff and Border Patrol send contradictory messages about Charlotte operation ending
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Federal Agents gather to take a group photograph in Charlotte. Photo: Ryan Murphy/Getty Images
The Trump administration says it is continuing its "surge" of Border Patrol resources in Charlotte despite local officials stating otherwise.
Why it matters: Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden said Thursday morning that federal officials told him "Operation Charlotte's Web" was over. But just hours later, U.S. Customs and Border Protection sent a contradictory message — prompting citywide confusion and uncertainty.
- "The operation is not over and it is not ending anytime soon," Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.
The big picture: The Border Patrol operation that's shaken Charlotte — sparking protests, shuttering businesses and resulting in hundreds of unidentified arrests — will leave a lasting mark on the city and likely trigger legal challenges.
Between the lines: It's unclear to what extent Border Patrol is staying here. The agency has the power to operate here regardless of an operation.
- A sheriff's office spokesperson told Axios they're standing by the statement because that's what they were told.
- ABC News reported earlier this week that agents were supposed to move out on Friday, citing "preliminary information from federal authorities."
- ICE, a separate agency from CBP, can also continue to have a presence and take people into custody in Charlotte, as it's been doing amid Trump's heightened arrest quota.
Catch up quick: In its latest update, DHS reported around 370 arrests in five days, though it's only released a sample of names.
- CBP agents were also spotted this week in Raleigh and Durham.
- The Trump administration has conducted similar high-profile immigration operations in other Democratic-led cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago.
What they're saying: "I'm relieved for our community and the residents, businesses, and all those who were targeted and impacted by this intrusion," Mayor Vi Lyles said in a statement Thursday morning.
What's next: CBP agents are expected to travel to New Orleans to begin an operation after Thanksgiving.
- Axios is awaiting a response to a Freedom of Information Act request seeking the full names and criminal backgrounds of those apprehended as part of the operation.
Editor's note: We've updated this story with the latest statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.