On Saturday, federal agents conducted a significant immigration enforcement operation in Charlotte, North Carolina.

According to reports from the Associated Press, U.S. Border Patrol agents were actively making arrests in various locations throughout the city, which boasts a population exceeding 900,000.

This operation is part of a broader federal initiative aimed at enhancing public safety by removing individuals deemed threats, as explained by Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

A video provided by Rheba Hamilton depicts U.S. Border Patrol agents leaving a property after approaching two men who were installing lights in Charlotte on Saturday, November 15, 2025. (Image courtesy of Rheba Hamilton via AP)

“The American public deserves to live without the fear of violent criminal illegal aliens posing risks to them, their loved ones, or their communities,” McLaughlin stated.

Nevertheless, the raids have faced swift criticism from some local leaders.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, along with Mecklenburg County Commissioner Mark Jerrell and Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board member Stephanie Sneed, said in a joint statement the actions are “causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty.”

A sign in Spanish that reads at top: “Know Your Rights” is displayed outside of a restaurant store front, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C.  (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)

“We want people in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County to know we stand with all residents who simply want to go about their lives,” said the statement.

The operation comes months after the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, aboard a Charlotte light-rail train.

DHS assistant secretary for public affairs Tricia McLaughlin (dhs.gov)

It also follows similar immigration enforcement raids recently conducted in California, Illinois, Oregon and New York.

DHS and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.