November 14, 2025
Border Patrol agents deployed to Democratic cities as administration expands enforcement beyond border
On Nov. 14, 2025, DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the agency was 'surging' Border Patrol agents to Charlotte, North Carolina. Internal DHS planning documents reviewed by CBS News listed Charlotte and New Orleans as the next targets in the Trump administration's rolling mass deportation campaign.
The Charlotte operation — named 'Operation Charlotte's Web' — began Nov. 15 and resulted in more than 370 arrests over roughly five days. On the first full school day of the operation, more than 20,000 students were absent from Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools as fear of immigration raids swept the community.
Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino led the Charlotte operation, as he had led earlier operations in Chicago and Los Angeles. Bovino's agents are known within federal law enforcement for operating more aggressively than their ICE counterparts. A federal judge issued an order restricting agents' use of force against protesters in November; an appeals court temporarily blocked it.
As agents began leaving Charlotte around Nov. 20, at least 250 Border Patrol agents were redeploying to New Orleans, where the administration named the operation 'Swamp Sweep.' Local officials in New Orleans told CNN they had received little detail about the operation and described 'mass chaos and confusion' in the community ahead of agents' arrival.
Border Patrol is a border agency. Its historical mission is to patrol ports of entry and the U.S.-Mexico border, where illegal crossings fell to a 55-year low in fiscal year 2025. The administration's decision to deploy Border Patrol deep into the interior of the country — to cities like Charlotte, Chicago, and New Orleans — represents a significant expansion of the agency's operational scope.
Many of those arrested in Charlotte, as in Chicago and Los Angeles, did not have criminal records, according to multiple reports. DHS justified the Charlotte deployment by accusing local officials of embracing 'sanctuary' policies that allowed undocumented immigrants to 'roam free.' Charlotte's police force does not assist with federal immigration enforcement as a 'Certified Welcoming City.'
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said she was 'relieved' when agents appeared to leave on Nov. 20. DHS immediately pushed back: 'Wrong. Operation Charlotte's Web isn't ending anytime soon,' Assistant Secretary McLaughlin wrote on social media, saying ICE would continue operating in the county.
New Orleans would be one of the first Democratic-led cities in a Republican-led state targeted for a Border Patrol operation. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry is a Republican who supports the administration's immigration policies, potentially limiting the state-level pushback that complicated operations in Illinois and North Carolina.
Posse Comitatus restricts Border Patrol interior civil arrests.
Who authorized the interior Border Patrol deployments to Charlotte and New Orleans?
Complete the sentence about local cooperation
Which trend best describes federal resource allocation in 2025 deployments?
Border Patrol lacks any statutory authority to arrest noncitizens in U.S. cities.
Upgrade to Premium to access all practice questions and unlock advanced quiz features.
Upgrade to PremiumThese questions are part of the Trump administration deploys Border Patrol to Charlotte and New Orleans for immigration enforcement topic. Master this topic by completing the quiz or exploring each question in detail.
Take the full quiz to master this topic and track your progress.
Start QuizCommander-at-Large, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Public Affairs)
Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina
Mecklenburg County Sheriff
Governor of North Carolina
Councilmember at-Large, New Orleans
civic education
Know your rights before a federal immigration encounter
Whether you're a citizen, green card holder, or undocumented immigrant, you have constitutional rights during an encounter with federal agents. You have the right to remain silent, the right to refuse to consent to a search without a warrant, and the right to record law enforcement in public spaces.
civic action
Contact your city council member about local rapid response plans
City councils can authorize community rapid response networks, legal observer programs, and 'know your rights' training before federal operations arrive. Charlotte and New Orleans both benefited from community organizing that started after Chicago — cities that haven't been targeted yet can prepare now.
Hello, I'm a resident of [City]. I'm calling about the Trump administration's interior immigration enforcement operations, which have moved from Chicago to Charlotte to New Orleans. I'd like to know: does our city have a rapid response plan in place if Border Patrol deploys here? Has the city designated legal observers? Has the mayor's office communicated with DHS about any planned operations? I'd like this council member to bring these questions to the full council.
civic action
Track Border Patrol's legal authority via House Homeland Security Committee oversight
The House Homeland Security Committee oversees CBP and ICE. Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA) sits on the committee and has publicly questioned whether agents are profiling people based on appearance. Citizens can contact committee members to demand public hearings on the use of Border Patrol in interior cities.
I'm calling to ask the Committee to hold a public hearing on the deployment of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents to interior U.S. cities, including Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. Specifically, I want the Committee to examine: what legal authority authorizes CBP to conduct interior enforcement? What oversight exists for use of force? Are citizens being detained and questioned without cause? The public deserves answers.