Federal agents launched a major immigration crackdown in Charlotte, North Carolina on saturday.
U.S.Border Patrol agents were seen making arrests across the city of more than 900,000 residents, the Associated Press reported.
The operation is part of a federal push to ensure “Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed,” according to department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
Border Patrol Conducts Immigration Enforcement Operation in Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina – U.S. Border Patrol agents conducted a targeted immigration enforcement operation in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County on Saturday, November 16, 2024. The operation resulted in the apprehension of individuals suspected of violating U.S. immigration laws.
According to a statement released by U.S.Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the operation focused on identifying and apprehending individuals who pose a threat to public safety and national security. Details regarding the exact number of individuals apprehended were not immediately available.
A sign in Spanish reading “Know Your Rights” was displayed outside a restaurant storefront in Charlotte during the operation. Willy Aceituno, a Honduran-born U.S. citizen, reported witnessing “a lot of Latinos running” as Border Patrol agents pursued individuals. He stated he was also stopped twice during the operation.
This enforcement action occurs several months after the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, on a Charlotte light-rail train. Similar immigration enforcement raids have recently taken place in California, Illinois, Oregon, and New York.
ICE officials stated they are committed to enforcing U.S. immigration laws while respecting the rights of all individuals. They emphasized that enforcement operations are conducted based on intelligence and prioritize the apprehension of individuals who pose the greatest risk to the community.