Federal Operation Winds Down
A months-long federal immigration enforcement effort in Charlotte, known as Operation “Charlotte’s Web”, is entering its final phase, according to a newly released oversight document. The initiative, led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), was part of a broader national campaign aimed at identifying human smuggling networks. A report from the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, dated November 20, confirmed that the operation is “nearing conclusion” as officials begin reviewing concerns raised by civil rights advocates.
The Inspector General is currently evaluating a formal complaint filed by the Southern Coalition for Social Justice. The review focuses on whether CBP officers complied with federal guidelines governing traffic stops, searches, and arrests, and whether coordination with local agencies adhered to established protocols.
Student Walkout Highlights Local Tensions
Tension surrounding the operation grew significantly on November 20, when hundreds of students at South Mecklenburg High School walked out of class. The demonstration, organized by a student-led group called Young Organizers of the South, drew a large crowd onto the school’s football field. Many held handmade signs and chanted slogans urging the end of what they described as discriminatory enforcement practices.
Students participating in the walkout said fears within local immigrant communities had increased sharply in recent weeks. While the protest remained peaceful, school administrators confirmed that district security officers monitored the event to ensure safety.
Community Pushback and Calls for Accountability
Local officials and advocacy groups have criticized the operation for months, arguing that families were living in heightened fear and avoiding public spaces. Some community leaders expressed concern that the tactics used by agents damaged trust between residents and law enforcement.
CBP, however, has repeatedly maintained that its operations are based solely on intelligence-driven investigations and not on race, ethnicity, or community demographics. Federal officials have stated that their primary focus remains the disruption of human smuggling networks, not routine immigration checks.
The Southern Coalition for Social Justice continues to push for more detailed disclosures from federal authorities and is urging the Inspector General to release its findings publicly once the review is complete.
Awaiting Federal Findings
As Operation “Charlotte’s Web” comes to a close, community members and civil rights organizations are watching closely for the Inspector General’s final report. For many residents, the student-led walkout marked a turning point in local engagement, signaling a broader demand for transparency around federal enforcement actions.
The outcome of the federal review may influence how similar operations are conducted nationwide, while Charlotte’s residents await clarity on whether guidelines were followed and how future oversight will be strengthened.
