November 21, 2025
ICE expands operations into affluent areas and private clubs, marking shift from workplace-focused enforcement
On Nov. 21, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested approximately 250 people in Charlotte, North Carolina, during a week-long operation that extended into upscale neighborhoods, country clubs, and retail shops.
The Washington Post reported agents entered country clubs and high-end stores, marking a shift from previous enforcement focused on workplaces and low-income areas.
ICE said the operation targeted individuals with criminal records, but lawyers say many arrestees had no criminal history beyond immigration violations.
The operation represents the administration''s expanded immigration enforcement into affluent communities.
Border Patrol arrested 250+ people across Charlotte starting Nov 15, 2025, in 'Operation Charlotte's Web'—a high-visibility crackdown Trump's DHS framed as targeting 'criminal illegal aliens.' Commander 
Greg Bovino, who ran similar Chicago raids netting 3,200 arrests, led agents in caravans through neighborhoods, churches, and shopping centers. DHS press releases showcased arrestees with DUI convictions, gang ties, and assault records to justify the operation.
Only one-third of Charlotte arrestees were classified as 'criminals' under CBP's internal data obtained by CBS News. The remaining two-thirds had no criminal history beyond immigration violations. DHS refused to release names or criminal records for most arrestees, preventing verification of 'worst of the worst' claims. Immigration lawyers told reporters many detainees had lived in Charlotte for decades without criminal records.
Sheriff Garry McFadden, who ended Mecklenburg County's 287(g) ICE cooperation in 2019, refused to assist Border Patrol. North Carolina's HB 318—passed Oct 1, 2025, overriding Gov Josh Stein's veto—forces sheriffs to notify ICE within 2 hours of releasing detainees charged with felonies or certain misdemeanors, then hold them up to 48 hours for ICE pickup. McFadden complied under legal mandate but criticized the operation as fear-mongering.
Tom Homan, Trump's 'border czar' appointed Jan 20, 2025, designed the Charlotte strategy after architecting family separation policies in Trump's first term. Homan, former acting ICE director under Trump and Obama (who gave him a Presidential Rank Award for record deportations), promised to expand Charlotte-style operations to 'sanctuary cities' that refuse cooperation. He told Fox News: 'When cities won't help us, we bring overwhelming force.'
Charlotte schools reported 'tens of thousands' of absences during the raids, per USA Today. Businesses in immigrant neighborhoods shuttered. Agents smashed a U.S. citizen's truck window on camera before realizing he had a REAL ID. Bovino posted arrests on X with photos of detainees, mimicking Chicago tactics that drew a federal injunction for civil rights violations. Protestors marched through uptown Charlotte as agents detained people near churches.
The operation expanded to Raleigh and Durham Nov 18-19, then shifted to New Orleans by Nov 21, redeploying Bovino's team. Senator 
Thom Tillis (R-NC) demanded DHS provide full detainee lists, detention durations, and oversight after constituents reported agents entering businesses without warrants. DHS ignored the request. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell issued joint statements calling the operation 'unnecessary fear and uncertainty.'
White House Border Czar
CBP Commander-at-Large
Mecklenburg County Sheriff
U.S. Senator (R-NC)
Governor of North Carolina (D)
accountability
Verify DHS criminal record claims
Only one-third of Charlotte arrestees had criminal records beyond immigration violations, contradicting DHS 'worst of the worst' messaging. Demand agencies release full arrest data including criminal histories, detention durations, and deportation outcomes to verify public safety claims.
policy
Track state laws forcing ICE cooperation
North Carolina's HB 318 stripped sheriffs of discretion to limit ICE cooperation, overriding local sanctuary policies. Monitor similar state-level mandates that force local law enforcement to become federal immigration agents regardless of community impact.
transparency
Document enforcement transparency gaps
DHS refused to release detainee names or criminal records for most Charlotte arrestees, preventing verification of targeting claims. Track federal agencies that conduct large-scale enforcement without public accountability or oversight mechanisms.
accountability
Monitor political targeting of enforcement
Charlotte was selected as a Democratic-led city in a swing state that voted for Trump, combining political messaging with immigration enforcement. Watch for patterns showing enforcement concentrated in politically symbolic locations rather than cities with highest immigration violations.