Charlotte, North Carolina was left reeling as federal authorities launched a crackdown on immigrants in the city over the weekend, arresting 81 people in what has been described as the largest single-day operation in state history.
The arrests were part of Operation Charlotte's Web, a targeted effort by the Department of Homeland Security to round up undocumented immigrants. The operation sparked widespread protests and demonstrations, with many community members taking to the streets to voice their opposition to the raids.
The city's usually vibrant immigrant enclaves and business districts were brought to a standstill as people went about their daily lives in fear of being targeted by federal agents. Local businesses reported a significant decline in foot traffic, with some owners expressing concerns that they could no longer operate safely with the increased threat of ICE raids looming.
For JD Mazuera Arias, a newly elected city council member, the weekend's events have left him feeling helpless and worried about the impact on his community. "Our city has gone from a thriving city to a standstill," he said in an interview. "This moment feels different because we've never had to experience border patrol. It's unprecedented and a gross violation not only of the constitutional rights of immigrants, but of US citizens."
The raids have also raised concerns about racial profiling and the use of tactics that are often violent and intimidating. David Rebolloso, owner of a local laundromat, spoke about his own experiences with ICE agents, who he claimed were "smirking" and " waving at the camera" after dragging a teenage worker out of the store.
As the arrests continue, many in the community are turning to each other for support. The Carolina Migrant Network, a non-profit organization that provides pro bono legal services for detained immigrants, is reporting an increased demand for its services. Co-founder Stefania Arteaga said that her organization has begun conducting daily verification trainings for community members, as well as hotlines to report and verify activity.
Local officials are also speaking out against the raids, with Governor Josh Stein urging North Carolinians to "bear witness" and report any instances of injustice. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden confirmed that his office would not assist ICE or border patrol with law enforcement actions, and vowed to protect the rights of immigrants and US citizens alike.
The raid has also sparked a wider conversation about the role of immigration enforcement in local communities. State Representative Aisha Dew said that "We do not need to have border patrol" and that the raids are a gross violation of constitutional rights.
As the city struggles to come to terms with the aftermath of Operation Charlotte's Web, one thing is clear: the arrests have left many feeling fearful, anxious, and divided. But as community members come together to support each other, there is also a sense of resilience and determination. As Arteaga said, "Allies are learning how to help their neighbors. I think that's beautiful."
The arrests were part of Operation Charlotte's Web, a targeted effort by the Department of Homeland Security to round up undocumented immigrants. The operation sparked widespread protests and demonstrations, with many community members taking to the streets to voice their opposition to the raids.
The city's usually vibrant immigrant enclaves and business districts were brought to a standstill as people went about their daily lives in fear of being targeted by federal agents. Local businesses reported a significant decline in foot traffic, with some owners expressing concerns that they could no longer operate safely with the increased threat of ICE raids looming.
For JD Mazuera Arias, a newly elected city council member, the weekend's events have left him feeling helpless and worried about the impact on his community. "Our city has gone from a thriving city to a standstill," he said in an interview. "This moment feels different because we've never had to experience border patrol. It's unprecedented and a gross violation not only of the constitutional rights of immigrants, but of US citizens."
The raids have also raised concerns about racial profiling and the use of tactics that are often violent and intimidating. David Rebolloso, owner of a local laundromat, spoke about his own experiences with ICE agents, who he claimed were "smirking" and " waving at the camera" after dragging a teenage worker out of the store.
As the arrests continue, many in the community are turning to each other for support. The Carolina Migrant Network, a non-profit organization that provides pro bono legal services for detained immigrants, is reporting an increased demand for its services. Co-founder Stefania Arteaga said that her organization has begun conducting daily verification trainings for community members, as well as hotlines to report and verify activity.
Local officials are also speaking out against the raids, with Governor Josh Stein urging North Carolinians to "bear witness" and report any instances of injustice. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden confirmed that his office would not assist ICE or border patrol with law enforcement actions, and vowed to protect the rights of immigrants and US citizens alike.
The raid has also sparked a wider conversation about the role of immigration enforcement in local communities. State Representative Aisha Dew said that "We do not need to have border patrol" and that the raids are a gross violation of constitutional rights.
As the city struggles to come to terms with the aftermath of Operation Charlotte's Web, one thing is clear: the arrests have left many feeling fearful, anxious, and divided. But as community members come together to support each other, there is also a sense of resilience and determination. As Arteaga said, "Allies are learning how to help their neighbors. I think that's beautiful."
it's so sad to hear about the people who got arrested on Saturday they're human beings just like everyone else they have families, jobs, and dreams just like us. i feel bad for JD Mazuera Arias, he's a newly elected city council member, and his community is already going through so much stress 
the raids are not only targeting undocumented immigrants but also innocent people who might be related to them 
it's like they're throwing a blanket of fear over an entire city. i wish more people would speak out against this kinda injustice 
as long as we have allies like Stefania Arteaga and Governor Josh Stein, there's hope for change 
they're basically terrorizing innocent ppl just bc of their immigration status... like what even is the point of these raids? doesnt anyone see that it's causing more harm than good? its a huge blow to the community and its economy too... JD Mazuera Arias said it right "our city has gone from a thriving city to a standstill" thats exactly what's happening 
local officials are finally speaking out against it tho, kudos to governor stein and sheriff mcfadden for standing up for what's right
like policy changes that protect immigrant rights and provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone... this is just the beginning of a long fight but i'm so inspired by the community coming together to support each other 
it's like they're targeting an entire community for no reason, and now local businesses are suffering 
JD Mazuera Arias is right, our city has been turned upside down and it feels so helpless to do anything about it 
the fact that ppl are reporting racial profiling and violent tactics by ICE agents? 
we need more voices like Stefania Arteaga advocating for change in our communities 
i feel for JD Mazuera Arias, he's trying to do some good but the system is against him 
maybe one day we'll see real change in this country 
Operation Charlotte's Web is really crazy what's happenin in the US right now immigrants got scared for there lives and it feels like they're under attack its not just about breaking laws but about peoples human rights to live without fear 
. like, cant we jus focus on buildin up our communities instead of tearin people down? 
and it's not just the ppl getting arrested, its the whole community that's being affected 
and btw what's with the smirk on those ICE agents faces? 
david rebolloso's story broke my heart, no teenager should ever have to go thru that 
. 81 people were arrested in one day?! That's not enforcement, that's terrorizing an entire community 
. The fact that local businesses are being scared off and can't operate safely is just ridiculous