Local

Photos: Border Patrol storms into Charlotte for Operation Charlotte’s Web

By The' Pham
Border Patrol Agents arrested a person on Sharonbrook Drive in Charlotte, NC on Sunday morning, Nov. 16, 2025.
Border Patrol Agents arrested a person on Sharonbrook Drive in Charlotte, NC on Sunday morning, Nov. 16, 2025. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com

Border Patrol agents rolled into town Saturday saying they intended to round up violent criminals. But many in Charlotte, including those here legally, say they’ve felt terrorized. “They’re not just an immigrant community, they’re our neighbors, they’re our family and our friends,” says Shana Blake who dressed as The Lady Liberty during a protest. Check out these scenes from the past several days in Charlotte.

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents survey the parking lot of the Compare Foods on North Tryon St. in Charlotte, NC on Monday, November 17, 2025.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents survey the parking lot of the Compare Foods on North Tryon St. in Charlotte, NC on Monday, November 17, 2025. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board Member Liz Monterrey-Duvall speaks during a press conference with local and state leaders regarding the reported deployment of federal immigration enforcement personnel to Charlotte at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center in Charlotte, N.C., on Friday, November 14, 2025.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board Member Liz Monterrey-Duvall speaks during a press conference with local and state leaders regarding the reported deployment of federal immigration enforcement personnel to Charlotte at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center in Charlotte, N.C., on Friday, November 14, 2025. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
A man confronts U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents in the parking lot of the Compare Foods on North Tryon St. in Charlotte, NC on Monday, November 17, 2025.
A man confronts U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents in the parking lot of the Compare Foods on North Tryon St. in Charlotte, NC on Monday, November 17, 2025. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Willy Aceituno shows his scars from a confrontation with U.S. Border Patrol agents on Saturday morning at Pollo Campero restaurant near the intersection of South Boulevard and Archdale Drive. He said agents attempted to arrest him twice and smashed his car window when he tried to leave.
Willy Aceituno shows his scars from a confrontation with U.S. Border Patrol agents on Saturday morning at Pollo Campero restaurant near the intersection of South Boulevard and Archdale Drive. He said agents attempted to arrest him twice and smashed his car window when he tried to leave. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
“Sorry for any inconvenience. We will be closed today!” stated a sign posted at Due Amici in Charlotte on Sunday, Nov. 16.
“Sorry for any inconvenience. We will be closed today!” stated a sign posted at Due Amici in Charlotte on Sunday, Nov. 16. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Hundreds of protestors march down North College St. on Saturday, November 15, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. The protestors were participating in the No Border Protest that started at First Ward Park.
Hundreds of protestors march down North College St. on Saturday, November 15, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. The protestors were participating in the No Border Protest that started at First Ward Park. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Demonstrators chant during the No Border Patrol protest in Uptown Charlotte on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025.
Demonstrators chant during the No Border Patrol protest in Uptown Charlotte on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. TRACY KIMBALL tkimball@heraldonline.com
Miguel Vazquez, 15, witnessed the Border Patrol Agents arrested a person at Case de Dios church while he was cleaning outside the church on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. He ran and came back later
Miguel Vazquez, 15, witnessed the Border Patrol Agents arrested a person at Case de Dios church while he was cleaning outside the church on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. He ran and came back later KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
A protester, Bradley W., wears a frog costume during a protest against the presence of Border patrol outside the Department of Homeland Security/ICE headquarters on Tyvola Center Drive in Charlotte on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
A protester, Bradley W., wears a frog costume during a protest against the presence of Border patrol outside the Department of Homeland Security/ICE headquarters on Tyvola Center Drive in Charlotte on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Khadejeh Nikouyeh The Charlotte Observer
Officers stand outside the Department of Homeland Security/ICE headquarters on Tyvola Center Drive as protesters gather to voice their concern over the presence of Border Patrol in Charlotte, NC on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
Officers stand outside the Department of Homeland Security/ICE headquarters on Tyvola Center Drive as protesters gather to voice their concern over the presence of Border Patrol in Charlotte, NC on Sunday, November 16, 2025. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Protesters blow whistles outside the Department of Homeland Security/ICE headquarters on Tyvola Center Drive as protesters gather to voice their concern over the presence of Border Patrol in Charlotte, NC on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
Protesters blow whistles outside the Department of Homeland Security/ICE headquarters on Tyvola Center Drive as protesters gather to voice their concern over the presence of Border Patrol in Charlotte, NC on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Khadejeh Nikouyeh knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
A federal police officer keeps people contained during a protest outside the Department of Homeland Security/ICE headquarters on Tyvola Center Drive in Charlotte, NC on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
A federal police officer keeps people contained during a protest outside the Department of Homeland Security/ICE headquarters on Tyvola Center Drive in Charlotte, NC on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Khadejeh Nikouyeh knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Adam McBroom, a parent of a child at Charlotte East Language Academy, watches the intersection leading to the school for Border Patrol and ICE agents during morning drop off
Adam McBroom, a parent of a child at Charlotte East Language Academy, watches the intersection leading to the school for Border Patrol and ICE agents during morning drop off MELISSA MELVIN-RODRIGUEZ mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com
Concerned adults gather at a bus stop to help ensure kids get off the school bus safely in the Berryhill area.
Concerned adults gather at a bus stop to help ensure kids get off the school bus safely in the Berryhill area. MELISSA MELVIN-RODRIGUEZ mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com
Concerned adults gather at a bus stop to help ensure kids get off the school bus safely in the Berryhill area.
Concerned adults gather at a bus stop to help ensure kids get off the school bus safely in the Berryhill area. MELISSA MELVIN-RODRIGUEZ mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com
A parent walks her daughter home from a bus stop on Monday, November 17, 2025
A parent walks her daughter home from a bus stop on Monday, November 17, 2025 Melissa Rodriguez mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com

This story was originally published November 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM.

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