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Immigration officers have been deployed to Charlotte as part of the federal government's growing campaign on undocumented immigration, according to authority reports.

The operation, called "Charlotte's Web Operation", was revealed on Saturday, with representatives stating that "undocumented criminals" would be targeted in the urban area.

"Federal authorities are sending DHS law enforcement to this location to maintain public safety and remove dangerous individuals," an official representative commented.

Local officials, including Mayor of Charlotte Li Vyles, published a joint statement criticising the campaign, saying it was causing "needless concern and instability" in the local population.

Operation Details

Military-style vehicles and special operations teams could be involved in the North Charlotte enforcement action, according to confidential reports.

A group from a local church doing yard work at a eastern Charlotte church fled into woods when authorities descended, with a person being apprehended, according to accounts.

"We assumed the religious facility was protected and we would be undisturbed," a young bystander stated to media.

Political Context

Since the administration's continuation, government agencies have been dispatched to several locations including key American cities to fulfill the pledge of "the biggest immigration enforcement effort" in the nation's records.

The Department of Homeland Security said they are implementing the operation because the state has not complied with the around 1,400 immigration agency persons held, meaning they had been released due to "local regulations".

City Status

This municipality is not a protective jurisdiction - urban areas that have measures in place to restrict cooperation given to federal immigration authorities - but it is a "certified welcoming city". This is a official classification for municipalities that are committed to diversity acceptance.

"Federal officials will act to safeguard US citizens when sanctuary politicians won't," authorities stated.

Demographic Context

Charlotte is an ethnically diverse municipality, with about nearly one-fifth of population being born outside of the country, according to demographic data.

Federal authorities has not disclosed how long the raids will persist. The Chicago operation, which began in September is persisting.

Official Response

Recently, Congresswoman Alma Adams said she was informed of the initiative and was "extremely concerned" about federal officers coming to the state.

The next city on the federal schedule is set to be New Orleans, according to sources, and that as many as 200 agents could be dispatched to the location.

Enforcement actions in previous cities like major urban centers have faced criticism over concerns of excessive use of force.

Support Options

Authorities said there are "multiple groups available to support those requiring counsel on immigration issues".

• Legal assistance organizations are prepared to support affected individuals
• Local support networks can provide advice on immigration rights
• Official channels exist for raising issues about campaigns