The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that it has initiated immigration enforcement operations in Charlotte, North Carolina, aiming to remove individuals classified as public safety threats. Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that the effort is intended to protect Americans from violent criminal illegal aliens. Federal officials have mobilized personnel to the area, though the operations had not been publicly announced in advance, generating concern among local residents and officials.

Local leaders, including Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, County Commissioner Mark Jerrell, and school board member Stephanie Sneed, criticized the federal actions, saying they are causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden noted that federal authorities had informed him about the operation in advance and stressed the importance of collaboration and transparency with local law enforcement to maintain community trust. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed it is not participating in the federal enforcement activities. Charlotte, home to over 900,000 residents, includes roughly 150,000 foreign-born individuals, and Governor Josh Stein highlighted that many targeted by the operations do not have criminal convictions, urging residents to document any inappropriate behavior.

The enforcement in Charlotte reflects a broader expansion of federal operations under the Trump administration, which has deployed National Guard troops and federal law enforcement to cities such as Chicago, Washington, D.C., Memphis, and Los Angeles to address violent crime and illegal immigration. Attempts to deploy in Portland were blocked by courts. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that the primary focus is on criminal illegal aliens, including murderers and child predators, asserting that enforcement ensures public safety.

The actions have sparked debate over the balance between federal authority and community impact. While some local leaders caution that the operations create fear and uncertainty, other officials, including certain Chicago representatives, support the increased federal presence as a measure to protect both ICE personnel and community safety amid ongoing enforcement initiatives.