Charlotte Immigration Operation: What We Know from the First 48 Hours

Last updated: February 1, 2026

Charlotte Immigration Operation: What Federal Officials Reported in the First 48 Hours

Federal immigration authorities confirmed that more than 130 individuals were detained in Charlotte, North Carolina, during the opening phase of a multi-day enforcement operation carried out by U.S. Border Patrol on November 15 and 16. While public information remains limited, the initial statements and local responses help clarify the nature and immediate impact of the operation.

Over the first two days, federal agents made more than 130 arrests across the city, targeting individuals suspected of lacking legal immigration status. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicated that the activity was part of a broader national enforcement effort now extending into the South.

Local officials have emphasized the need for due process. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles noted that the constitutional rights of all people in the city, regardless of status, must be upheld throughout the federal operation. She added that the city is working to support affected communities while navigating the intersecting roles of federal authority and local governance.

The operation has prompted public demonstrations. Students at East Mecklenburg High School organized a walkout, while community groups gathered in uptown Charlotte over the weekend. Some businesses in Latino neighborhoods closed temporarily in response to the heightened enforcement presence.

Reports circulating on social media show footage of various arrest encounters, including incidents involving unmarked vehicles and heavily armed officers. While the authenticity and full context of each video cannot be confirmed through official sources, the imagery has contributed to public concern.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein expressed strong criticism of the operation, raising questions about the tactics used by federal agents and the possibility of racial profiling. Federal officials have linked the operation to previous requests to local authorities to hold individuals beyond normal release times so immigration agents could take custody—requests that local officials did not act upon.

CBP has not released detailed information about ongoing activity or when the Charlotte operation is expected to conclude. Similar enforcement actions have taken place in other cities this year, part of a broader federal approach to interior immigration enforcement.

This remains an evolving situation. Immigration Monitor will continue to review official statements and updates as they become available from federal, state, and local authorities.