Charlotte Border Patrol Operation Under Fire as Internal Data Reveals Few Arrests Were Criminals

A recent federal immigration sweep in North Carolina is facing intense scrutiny. Internal data reveals a major gap between the operation’s stated goals and its actual outcomes. According to a CBS News report, a Department of Homeland Security document shows less than one-third of those arrested were classified as criminals.

The operation, known as Operation Charlotte’s Web, involved over 200 Border Patrol agents. They made more than 270 immigration arrests in Charlotte starting in mid-November. Official statements emphasized targeting dangerous criminal aliens, but the internal numbers tell a different story.

Discrepancy Between Public Claims and Internal Statistics

The internal DHS document obtained by CBS News is revealing. It states that fewer than 90 of the 270-plus arrests were for “criminal aliens.” The document does not detail the nature of these alleged crimes. It also does not clarify if they were convictions or merely charges.

In contrast, public DHS press releases highlighted different figures. Officials pointed to 44 arrests involving individuals with criminal charges or convictions in the first two days. These included offenses like assault and DUI. A DHS spokesperson questioned the internal tally’s accuracy but provided no counter-data.

This discrepancy lies at the heart of growing controversy. Local leaders and community members have condemned the sweep’s methods. They argue it relied on indiscriminate tactics and racial profiling.

Community Backlash and a Contrasting Case in North Dakota

The operation’s visible tactics sparked immediate backlash in Charlotte. Videos showed agents smashing a car window and making arrests outside businesses. These actions led to business closures and student walkouts at local high schools.

A CBS News poll found most Americans felt the operation detained more people than necessary. The Trump administration denies accusations of racial profiling. It insists enforcement is based solely on immigration status.

Meanwhile, a separate arrest in Mayville, North Dakota, illustrated a more targeted approach. Border Patrol agents there arrested Eilo Bernardo Gonzalez-Ramirez, a Mexican national with a serious criminal history. According to Valley News Live, he had prior felony convictions and was found with fraudulent documents.

His case represents the type of criminal alien enforcement officials often highlight. It stands in stark contrast to the broader sweep seen in Charlotte, where most detained lacked criminal records.

The internal data from Charlotte challenges the narrative of precision-focused enforcement. It suggests a significant portion of resources were directed at non-criminal arrests, fueling community fear and distrust. As DHS plans similar operations elsewhere, this tension between stated goals and on-the-ground reality is likely to grow.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

What was Operation Charlotte’s Web?

It was a large-scale immigration enforcement operation led by Border Patrol in Charlotte, North Carolina. Over 200 agents conducted hundreds of arrests in November 2025, sparking major local protests.

How many arrested were classified as criminals?

An internal DHS document reported by CBS News states that fewer than one-third of the arrests involved individuals classified as “criminal aliens.” This contradicted official emphasis on targeting criminals.

Why did the operation cause so much controversy?

Aggressive tactics, like agents smashing a car window, led to allegations of racial profiling. The high number of non-criminal arrests caused business closures and student walkouts in protest.

What was the public reaction to the arrests?

A CBS News poll found 58% of Americans believed federal agents were “stopping and detaining more people than necessary.” The operation became a flashpoint in the national immigration debate.

Are more operations like this planned?

Yes. According to reports, the Department of Homeland Security is preparing to launch similar Border Patrol-led operations in other U.S. cities, including New Orleans.