Increased Immigration Enforcement Sparks Fear in Charlotte

Sun Nov 16 2025 00:03:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Federal immigration enforcement agents have surged in Charlotte, North Carolina, leading to public concern and criticism from local officials who contend that actions are creating fear among residents.

Charlotte, N.C. has witnessed a rise in immigration enforcement actions, as federal agents conduct arrests across the city. Local officials, including Mayor Vi Lyles, have expressed concern about the impact on community safety and the emotional toll on residents, particularly among the immigrant population. Reports indicate an uptick in police encounters with immigrants, with some citizens even being mistaken for undocumented individuals despite being American citizens. Local organizations are mobilizing to offer support and assurance to those affected.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Federal authorities have confirmed a ramp-up in immigration enforcement activities in Charlotte, North Carolina the city’s largest metropolitan area, as agents were observed making arrests in various locations over the weekend.

Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, We are surging DHS law enforcement to Charlotte to ensure Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed. However, this approach has prompted criticism from local officials. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, along with County Commissioner Mark Jerrell and Stephanie Sneed of the education board, issued a joint statement condemning the enforcement actions as inducing unnecessary fear and uncertainty among residents.

The federal government did not announce the operation beforehand, although Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden revealed that federal agents would soon be arriving. Paola Garcia, a representative from Camino—a bilingual nonprofit—reported an observable increase in encounters involving Border Patrol and ICE agents since Friday. We’re seeing lots of people being pulled over, she noted, adding that incidents of people fleeing from enforcement have increased. Willy Aceituno, a U.S. citizen of Honduran descent, described witnessing Border Patrol agents chasing individuals in the streets.

Aceituno recounted his own experience being detained multiple times by Border Patrol, despite providing proof of his American citizenship. It was terrifying, he said. Local organizations are responding by providing resources to inform immigrants of their rights and are contemplating peaceful protest actions in reaction to the heightened enforcement. Governor Josh Stein emphasized that many apprehended in these operations lack criminal records, with some identified as American citizens. Amidst growing tensions and community upheaval, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police have reiterated their non-involvement in federal immigration enforcement activities.