A chilling operation has descended upon North Carolina, dubbed “Charlotte’s Web” – a name that evokes childhood innocence, yet masks a stark reality of aggressive immigration enforcement. Federal agents have swept through cities, targeting neighborhoods, churches, and even workplaces, detaining over 130 individuals suspected of immigration violations.
The operation’s very moniker has drawn fierce criticism. Martha, granddaughter of E.B. White, author of the beloved children’s book, vehemently denounced the use of the title, stating her grandfather would have abhorred the tactics employed: “masked men, in unmarked cars, raiding people’s homes…without IDs.” She emphasized his opposition to fearmongering, a sentiment echoing through the state.
Protests erupted in Raleigh, with thousands marching against what they call inhumane raids. The Department of Homeland Security defends the actions, claiming they are focused on “criminal illegal aliens” exploiting sanctuary policies. This justification, however, does little to quell the growing unrest and fear gripping communities.
Governor Josh Stein painted a disturbing picture of the enforcement: “masked, heavily armed agents in paramilitary garb driving unmarked cars” racially profiling citizens and making arrests seemingly at random. The situation escalated dramatically when ICE agents shattered the window of a vehicle, detaining a man who later proved to be a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Citizens, urged by authorities to document interactions with ICE, are sharing unsettling footage online. The mayor of Raleigh anticipates the operation’s expansion, while Durham’s mayor issued a strong statement denouncing efforts that “incite fear” and “undermine human rights.”
The response has been deeply divided. While some express support with terse online comments like “Get em’ boys,” others are outraged, describing the scenes as the snatching of “innocent men, women and CHILDREN” with no due process. The stark contrast highlights the deep fissures within the state.
Fears are mounting that the situation could escalate, mirroring events in Chicago where ICE allegedly deployed “chemical weapons” – tear gas – in residential areas. Reports allege officers have been using tear gas “unannounced” and without activating body cameras, prompting accusations of excessive force.
The Department of Homeland Security defends these actions, claiming officers are facing a dramatic increase in assaults while attempting to arrest “murderers, rapists, and gang members.” However, accounts from residents paint a different picture, including a pregnant woman exposed to tear gas in her home and a children’s Halloween parade disrupted by the deployment of the irritant.
