A shadow fell over the beloved story of “Charlotte’s Web” this week, as the Trump administration invoked its title for a controversial immigration operation in Charlotte, North Carolina. The move sparked immediate and fierce condemnation from Martha White, granddaughter of the book’s author, E.B. White.
White, who serves as her grandfather’s literary executor, released a statement asserting that he would have vehemently opposed the raids. His belief in the rule of law, she explained, was always tempered by a commitment to due process – a stark contrast to the tactics employed in “Operation Charlotte’s Web.”
She powerfully contrasted the spirit of the book with the reality of the operation, highlighting Charlotte the spider’s selfless dedication to protecting Wilbur the pig and securing his freedom. The raids, involving unmarked cars and agents without clear identification, represented everything her grandfather’s gentle story stood against.
This isn’t an isolated incident. The administration has a history of branding immigration operations with attention-grabbing names, previously utilizing terms like “Alligator Alcatraz” and “Cornhusker Clink” for migrant holding facilities. These names, while seemingly playful, mask a serious and escalating agenda of mass deportation.
Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol official leading the Charlotte operation, further ignited the controversy by quoting from “Charlotte’s Web” in a social media post. He framed the raids as following the wind, going “where the mission calls,” a distortion of the story’s themes of compassion and protection.
The operation itself has already resulted in the arrest of over 130 migrants in just two days, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Simultaneously, the agency reported that nearly 1,400 detainers issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement have been ignored by local authorities.
Charlotte’s local leaders swiftly and resolutely condemned the raids. Mayor Vi Lyles, along with county and school board chairs, issued a joint statement emphasizing the fear and uncertainty the operation has instilled within the community. They underscored their unwavering commitment to a safe and welcoming environment for all residents.
The statement highlighted the potential for detaining individuals without criminal records and the risk of inciting violent protests, echoing concerns raised in other cities where similar operations have taken place. The leaders affirmed their dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of every person in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein added his voice to the chorus of opposition, describing scenes of heavily armed agents in unmarked vehicles targeting individuals based on their appearance. He characterized the operation as divisive and fear-mongering, further fueling anxieties within the community.
The targeting of Democrat-led cities for these sweeps is a clear indication of the administration’s broader strategy. A recent policy reversal also removed protections against raids in sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and places of worship, broadening the scope of these operations.
The appropriation of a children’s classic for such a purpose has struck a nerve, transforming a tale of friendship and loyalty into a symbol of a deeply divisive and controversial policy.
