A sweeping immigration enforcement operation by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Charlotte, North Carolina, resulted in the arrests of 81 individuals on its first day, Saturday, 15 November 2025. The crackdown, dubbed “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” has heightened anxiety among the city's immigrant populations and has been met with strong opposition from local officials who decry the move as fostering unnecessary fear.

The operation is part of a broader, more aggressive immigration enforcement strategy by the Trump administration targeting so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated the surge in federal law enforcement was a direct response to local policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration agents, citing nearly 1,400 unhonored detainers in North Carolina. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin asserted the operation's goal is to remove “public safety threats” and ensure Americans are safe.

Leading the operation is CBP Commander Gregory Bovino, who previously headed similar controversial crackdowns in Chicago and Los Angeles. Bovino announced the arrest tally on social media, stating that many of those taken into custody had “significant criminal and immigration history.” He posted images and details of some individuals, including one with a history of drunk driving convictions, to underscore the operation's focus on what the administration terms “criminal illegal aliens.”

The enforcement actions were visible across Charlotte, with federal agents seen making arrests near churches, apartment complexes, shopping centers, and busy intersections. The public nature of the raids caused significant disruption; some businesses closed, and normally bustling areas became quiet as residents stayed home out of fear. Community groups reported being overwhelmed with calls about CBP activity. There were also reports of aggressive tactics, including agents breaking a car window of a man who identified himself as a U.S. citizen.

Local leaders have voiced strong objections to the federal operation. In a joint statement, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, County Commissioner Mark Jerrell, and education board chair Stephanie Sneed condemned the raids for “causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty.” They emphasized that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is not participating in the federal enforcement actions. Protests against the operation drew hundreds of demonstrators to Uptown Charlotte over the weekend.

Similar operations in other cities have led to lawsuits and investigations over the use of force and have been criticized by local Democratic leaders for inflaming community tensions. The exact duration of “Operation Charlotte’s Web” remains undisclosed by federal authorities.

Global Context and Implications

While there is no specific information indicating that Kenyan nationals were targeted or arrested in this particular operation, the broader context of intensifying U.S. immigration enforcement has implications for all immigrant communities. According to 2025 data, Charlotte has a Kenyan community of about 271 people. The Trump administration has implemented several policy changes affecting legal immigration pathways, including for skilled workers and students, which could impact Kenyans seeking opportunities in the U.S. These policies include a “continuous vetting” system for all visa holders, allowing for re-evaluation of status at any time, and proposals to increase visa fees and end birthright citizenship. Such measures create a climate of uncertainty for both documented and undocumented immigrants in the United States.