U.S. Border Patrol Operation Nets 81 Apprehensions in Charlotte
Charlotte, NC – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents successfully apprehended 81 individuals during the first day of Operation “Charlotte’s Web” in Charlotte, North Carolina, this past Saturday. Commander Gregory K. Bovino announced the results, highlighting that many of those taken into custody had significant criminal records and histories of immigration violations.
This operation is part of a broader effort to enforce immigration laws and ensure public safety. Federal officials have expressed concerns about the number of individuals with pending deportation orders who are released back into communities due to local sanctuary policies. They argue that these policies hinder law enforcement’s ability to protect citizens from potential threats.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, a substantial number of detainers issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) across North Carolina were not being honored. This situation allows individuals who have violated immigration laws to remain in the state, raising concerns about the potential for further criminal activity.
The operation has drawn criticism from some local politicians. Representative Alma Adams voiced her concerns, stating that she did not support actions that could intimidate or harass the immigrant community in Charlotte. She cautioned against the use of tactics, like tear gas, that she claimed had been employed in other cities.
Commander Bovino responded to these concerns by emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between legal immigrants and those who are in the country illegally. He asserted that the operation was focused on individuals who had broken the law and posed a risk to the community. He has called on officials to recognize the difference between legal immigrants, who contribute to society, and illegal aliens, who have no right to be here.
Following the initial arrests, Commander Bovino continued to provide updates, detailing specific cases of individuals with criminal histories who were apprehended during the operation. He provided information on crimes committed by those arrested.
In social media posts, Bovino shared examples of individuals taken into custody, including one with multiple arrests for assault, shoplifting, and aggravated felony assault. He highlighted another case of an individual who had been previously deported twice and had a criminal record including arrests for aggravated assault, assault with a dangerous weapon and driving under the influence.
Commander Bovino stated, “This is why border security matters. This is why we’re in Charlotte.”
These cases, according to law enforcement officials, underscore the importance of border security and the need to enforce immigration laws to protect communities from potential threats posed by individuals with criminal histories who are in the country illegally. Law enforcement agencies maintain that their priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens by removing those who pose a danger to the public.
