Charlotte is Paralyzed as Immigration Raids Spark Widespread Fear and Protests
Federal agents swept through the streets of Charlotte, North Carolina, in a massive immigration raid that left dozens dead or deported, with many others on the run. The operation was code-named Operation Charlotte's Web, but for the residents of this predominantly immigrant city, it felt like a nightmare come true.
In one day alone, over 80 people were arrested, and videos showing people being chased or simply picked up by federal agents are still circulating on social media. The victims range from undocumented immigrants to U.S.-born citizens, with some reportedly being dragged away in handcuffs while shouting for help.
At the center of the storm is Manolo's Bakery, a popular destination that was forced to close its doors after owners revealed they needed to protect their families from family separation. "We need to protect our families," said owner Manolo Betancur. "It's like they're tearing us apart."
For David Rebolloso, a Honduran-born U.S. citizen and owner of several laundromats in east Charlotte, the impact was even more personal. Business has plummeted since rumors spread about the impending raid, with many customers canceling their laundry services due to fear. "I'm heartbroken," he said. "People are nervous just because of the tactics. Even me – I'm brown-skinned and I'm an American citizen and a military vet. But here I'm thinking: should I be carrying my passport with me?"
Protesters took to the streets, demanding that federal agents leave Charlotte altogether. The city's elected officials have joined the chorus of condemnation, with state representative Aisha Dew saying "We don't need border patrol." Council member JD Mazuera Arias echoed similar sentiments, stating that the operation feels different because it's an unprecedented and gross violation of constitutional rights.
Local Sheriff Gary McFadden confirmed his office won't assist ICE or Border Patrol in law enforcement actions. The county can't intervene in federal arrests, but he acknowledged that some communities may welcome this presence while others live in fear.
The raids have sparked widespread outrage and a growing sense of solidarity among immigrants and their allies. Immigrant advocacy groups are mobilizing to support those affected by the raids. "Allies are learning how to help their neighbors," said Carolina Migrant Network co-founder Stefanía Arteaga.
As Charlotte struggles to recover, one thing is clear: this isn't just an immigration issue – it's a human rights crisis that demands attention and action.
Federal agents swept through the streets of Charlotte, North Carolina, in a massive immigration raid that left dozens dead or deported, with many others on the run. The operation was code-named Operation Charlotte's Web, but for the residents of this predominantly immigrant city, it felt like a nightmare come true.
In one day alone, over 80 people were arrested, and videos showing people being chased or simply picked up by federal agents are still circulating on social media. The victims range from undocumented immigrants to U.S.-born citizens, with some reportedly being dragged away in handcuffs while shouting for help.
At the center of the storm is Manolo's Bakery, a popular destination that was forced to close its doors after owners revealed they needed to protect their families from family separation. "We need to protect our families," said owner Manolo Betancur. "It's like they're tearing us apart."
For David Rebolloso, a Honduran-born U.S. citizen and owner of several laundromats in east Charlotte, the impact was even more personal. Business has plummeted since rumors spread about the impending raid, with many customers canceling their laundry services due to fear. "I'm heartbroken," he said. "People are nervous just because of the tactics. Even me – I'm brown-skinned and I'm an American citizen and a military vet. But here I'm thinking: should I be carrying my passport with me?"
Protesters took to the streets, demanding that federal agents leave Charlotte altogether. The city's elected officials have joined the chorus of condemnation, with state representative Aisha Dew saying "We don't need border patrol." Council member JD Mazuera Arias echoed similar sentiments, stating that the operation feels different because it's an unprecedented and gross violation of constitutional rights.
Local Sheriff Gary McFadden confirmed his office won't assist ICE or Border Patrol in law enforcement actions. The county can't intervene in federal arrests, but he acknowledged that some communities may welcome this presence while others live in fear.
The raids have sparked widespread outrage and a growing sense of solidarity among immigrants and their allies. Immigrant advocacy groups are mobilizing to support those affected by the raids. "Allies are learning how to help their neighbors," said Carolina Migrant Network co-founder Stefanía Arteaga.
As Charlotte struggles to recover, one thing is clear: this isn't just an immigration issue – it's a human rights crisis that demands attention and action.
like what even is the point of those things? anyway back to charlotte... i feel for those people who got deported or hurt during the raid. my aunt is from colombia and she's always telling me about how hard it is to navigate the immigration system. i guess this is why they say 'you can't put a price on freedom' 
. How can we be so quick to take away people's freedom? I mean, I get that borders need to be protected, but this is madness... 
People are losing everything - their businesses, their families, their homes. And for what? So politicians can score some points? 
this is just wicked 
how can we even justify this? 
david rebolloso, a honduran-born american & military vet, cant even do his own biz w/o being worried about being "carrying his passport" 
like what even is that?! 
we need 2 stand with our immigrant friends & demand change ASAP 
it's like they're using fear to control the community. Newsflash: we need to stand up against this and demand better treatment for everyone, regardless of their immigration status. We can't just sit back and watch our fellow humans get hurt 
. And what about all those innocent bystanders who got caught in the crossfire? 
it's like they're saying "oh look, we're being peaceful... *poof* arrested"! 
gotta get some real answers from these agents and let them know that this kind of thing is UNACCEPTABLE. We need a better system for handling immigration issues – one that prioritizes compassion and justice over fear and control 
But on the other hand, who needs that many people to be rounded up and deported? It's like, they're taking away entire families' livelihoods and futures... 
but at the same time, can't we just have a more nuanced discussion about these issues? Like, some people do need to follow the law and stuff, but others are just trying to survive in a country that's already pretty tough on them. I don't know, man... 
And the fact that people are too scared to leave their homes because of this is just heartbreaking. We need more awareness about this issue and more action taken to stop it! 
It's gonna take a lot of effort to rebuild trust, but I'm hopeful we can get through this together. 
gotta be careful out here, especially 4 people whos already been thru hell cuz of immigration issues 
we need 2 take a stand & make some noise 4 these ppl who r gettin hurt 
Arresting people in the streets and dragging them away... it's so inhumane. The way they treated Manolo's Bakery owners, forcing them to choose between their family or the law... that's just not right 
.
let's get our politicians to take action & make sure everyone is treated fairly & humanely 
Operation Charlotte's Web is just another example of how our government can completely screw up. I mean, who needs that kind of fear in their community? 
️ I mean, can't we just have some peace and quiet in our communities?
. It's like they're expecting everyone to be undocumented just because they don't speak English or have a certain last name. And what about all those families who were torn apart during these raids? That's some messed up stuff, folks 
.
david rebolloso's story broke my heart tho, he's a military vet and still feels vulnerable bc of his skin tone 
We need to lift each other up during these tough times 
. We need to stand up for what's right and fight for human rights. This isn't just an immigration issue, it's a matter of basic humanity 
.
. We can't just talk about this issue, we need to take action 
. We need more people like him in positions of power 
.