The Department of Homeland Security has launched law enforcement operations in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of President Trump’s immigration crackdown. The move comes after a surge in arrests and detentions of people deemed “sanctuary cities” by the administration.
Federal officials say the goal is to protect public safety and remove threats from the community. However, local leaders are warning that the operations may cause unnecessary fear and uncertainty among residents.
The deployment of Homeland Security agents is the latest in a series of actions taken by the Trump administration against “sanctuary cities.” This includes the pullback of troops from two other cities, which were facing legal challenges.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles has urged residents to remain peaceful and stand together, despite the presence of federal agents. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein has encouraged North Carolinians to report any suspicious behavior to local law enforcement.
The deployment comes as ICE agents face allegations of abusive behavior in cities across the US. A federal judge recently found that immigration officers have “unnecessarily terrorized” local residents, and a defense official revealed that many National Guard members are set to return home in the coming days.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/11/15/immigration-enforcement-surge-charlotte