Homeland Security Continues Immigration Enforcement in Charlotte, Louisiana
Charlotte, N.C. - Federal immigration enforcement operations are ongoing in Charlotte, North Carolina, and have expanded to southeast Louisiana, Homeland Security officials confirmed Thursday. Despite indications of a potential slowdown, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles acknowledged the operation’s impact on the community.
The enforcement surge, dubbed “Swamp Sweep” in Louisiana, began in early December and coudl involve up to 250 federal troops. Simultaneously, agents – some heavily armed and operating in unmarked vehicles - have been conducting arrests in the Charlotte area and near Raleigh, North Carolina.
Homeland Security leaders have justified the increased enforcement in North Carolina by citing local “sanctuary policies” that limit cooperation with immigration agents.The crackdown in Charlotte has faced resistance, including protests with approximately 100 people gathering outside a Home Depot where agents were observed.
The operations have created a palpable sense of fear within Charlotte’s immigrant communities, leading to decreased school attendance and temporary closures of businesses as residents avoid potential encounters with federal agents. One laundromat owner reported customers abandoning laundry mid-cycle upon the arrival of agents in nearby stores.
Nationwide, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention counts have reached record highs, exceeding 60,000 individuals as of this reporting. Beyond Charlotte and Louisiana, increased enforcement activity has been reported in cities like Portland, Oregon, where over 560 arrests were made in October.
“I’m relieved for our community and the residents, businesses, and all those who were targeted and impacted by this intrusion,” Mayor lyles stated on X. “As we move forward, it is essential that we come together-not as separate groups divided by recent events, but as one Charlotte community.”
North Carolina Republican Party spokesperson Matt Mercer characterized the crackdown as a success.