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Federal agents launched a major immigration crackdown in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday.
U.S. Border Patrol agents were seen making arrests across the city of more than 900,000 residents, the Associated Press reported.
The operation is part of a federal push to ensure “Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed,” according to Department of Homeland Security Assistant Homeland Security Secretary (DHS) Tricia McLaughlin.
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This image taken from video provided by Rheba Hamilton shows U.S. Border Patrol agents leaving a yard after approaching two men hanging lights in Charlotte, N.C. on Saturday, Nov 15, 2025. (Rheba Hamilton via AP)
“Americans should be able to live without fear of violent criminal illegal aliens hurting them, their families, or their neighbors,” McLaughlin said in a statement.
However, some local leaders swiftly condemned the raids.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, along with Mecklenburg County Commissioner Mark Jerrell and Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board member Stephanie Sneed, said in a joint statement the actions are “causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty.”
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A sign in Spanish that reads at top: “Know Your Rights” is displayed outside of a restaurant store front, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)
“We want people in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County to know we stand with all residents who simply want to go about their lives,” said the statement.
The operation comes months after the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, aboard a Charlotte light-rail train.
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DHS assistant secretary for public affairs Tricia McLaughlin (dhs.gov)
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It also follows similar immigration enforcement raids recently conducted in California, Illinois, Oregon and New York.
DHS and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.