Charlotte Baker Closes Shop Amidst Heightened Immigration Enforcement
Charlotte, N.C. – A bakery owner in Charlotte, North Carolina, who recently became a U.S. citizen,has temporarily closed her business due to widespread fear stemming from increased immigration enforcement operations in the area. Cristina rojas, owner of the bakery, says the crackdown has created an atmosphere of terror within her community, impacting families’ ability to work and attend school.
The closures come as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched ”Operation charlotte’s Web,” expanding enforcement efforts to Raleigh, North Carolina, this week. Department of Homeland security (DHS) officials state the operation targets individuals deemed “the worst of the worst,” but critics, including North Carolina governor Josh Stein, argue the tactics are overly broad and instill fear without enhancing public safety. Rojas‘s experience underscores the ripple effects of these actions,even among legal residents and citizens.
Rojas, who became a U.S. citizen this year, expressed a deep connection to those affected by the enforcement. ”I see myself through the people that have been detained,” she told CBS News. “I see myself through the people that are being terrorized and not able to go to work and school. So while, yes, I am a citizen, it doesn’t take away from who I am, where I was born, and what makes me, and I am Hispanic. I am an immigrant.”
The increased enforcement has prompted protests from students across Charlotte. Charlotte-mecklenburg Schools reported over 30,000 students – roughly 22% of the district – were absent on Monday due to walkouts and fear of potential impacts on families.
Governor Stein criticized the border Patrol’s approach Tuesday, stating the operations are not focused on serious criminals. “If this were targeted to going after known people who are criminals or known people who are drug traffickers who are engaged in violent crime, that would be a good thing, but they’re just sweeping sidewalks, they’re sweeping parking lots,” Stein said. “They’re going into stores and churches. This is causing widespread fear, widespread uncertainty. this is not about public safety, and I wish that it were.”
Rojas’s decision to temporarily close her bakery reflects the broader anxiety within Charlotte’s Hispanic community as “Operation Charlotte’s Web” continues. The long-term impact on local businesses and schools remains to be seen.
