type: timeline_event
Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino launched "Operation Charlotte's Web" in North Carolina on November 15, 2025, arriving unannounced in the state's largest city. Charlotte officials had no advance warning of the operation - none of the officials CNN contacted were aware Bovino and his officers were coming.
The operation arrested 81 people on the first day alone, with over 250 total arrests by the time it concluded. Agents made arrests at work sites, grocery store parking lots, churches, apartment buildings, and Home Depot locations. DHS claimed 44 of those arrested had criminal records and two were known gang members - meaning roughly 80% had no criminal history.
The community impact was severe: more than 30,000 students - about 20% of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools enrollment - were absent on Monday as parents kept children home out of fear. Immigrant-run businesses closed. Reports of CBP activity were described as "overwhelming" and difficult to quantify.
Hundreds of residents gathered at First Ward Park to protest the operation, with speakers condemning the raids for stoking fear within Charlotte's immigrant community. Signs in English and Spanish expressed opposition to the tactics.
Charlotte marked Bovino's pattern of arriving in cities unannounced to conduct aggressive operations that disrupt entire communities. After concluding in Charlotte around November 20, Bovino and his agents departed for New Orleans to launch the next operation after Thanksgiving.