A distressing scene unfolded in Charlotte, North Carolina, this week when federal agents detained a migrant who appeared injured and crying.
The man, whose identity has not been released, was seen being dragged from a building under construction by officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the ongoing Operation Charlotte’s Web.
Dressed in gray jeans, a zip-up hoodie, and sneakers, blood was visible on his face as he was escorted from the premises.
Observers reported that he looked visibly distressed throughout the arrest.
Operation Charlotte’s Web Targets Migrants
The DHS operation specifically targets what officials describe as “criminal illegal aliens” in North Carolina.
The agency claims some migrants have been drawn to the state due to local sanctuary policies, allowing them to “roam free on American streets.”
As of Wednesday, roughly 250 migrants have been arrested in Charlotte, and CNN reports that 30,000 students were absent from school on Monday, indicating the widespread effect of the operation.
Escalation Across the City
After the initial arrest, ICE agents were seen questioning shoppers in a Home Depot parking lot in Charlotte.
Protesters quickly gathered to voice opposition, holding signs reading “ICE out of Home Depot protect our communities” and “We stand with migrants.”
Former Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts also joined the protest, emphasizing solidarity with affected residents.
Current Mayor Vi Lyles took to social media to address the public, stressing that “the rights and constitutional protections of every person in Charlotte—regardless of immigration status—must be upheld.”
She urged federal agencies to act with respect for the city’s values of fairness, dignity, and justice.
State Leaders Weigh In
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein echoed Lyles’ concerns, highlighting that many of those detained have no criminal convictions, and some are American citizens.
In a social media post, Stein cautioned residents in Raleigh about the potential arrival of ICE agents and called for the federal focus to remain on violent criminals rather than ordinary residents.
“Stop targeting people simply going about their lives because of the color of their skin, as you are doing in Charlotte,” Stein wrote, emphasizing the human toll of the federal crackdown.
Broader Federal Plans
The Trump administration plans to expand the surge of Border Patrol agents and armored vehicles into Louisiana, with New Orleans set to become the next focal point.
Internal DHS documents obtained by CBS News revealed that ICE operations in both Charlotte and New Orleans will involve armored vehicles, special-operations agents, and personnel previously deployed in high-profile missions in Chicago and Los Angeles.
The task forces, Operation Charlotte’s Web and Catahoula Crunch, are named after local cultural references—the former referencing a children’s novel, the latter Louisiana’s state dog.
Controversial Leadership and Use of Force
Commander Gregory Bovino, known for overseeing contentious federal operations in Chicago and Los Angeles, is expected to play a central role in the Charlotte and New Orleans missions.
Bovino defended his teams’ tactics in recent interviews, saying, “The use of force that I’ve seen has been exemplary—the least amount of force necessary to accomplish the mission.”
Despite official assurances, images and videos from Charlotte have sparked protests and a growing public debate over the methods used in these ICE operations, highlighting the tension between federal enforcement and community response.
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