CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - More than 250 people were arrested by federal agents during the first four days of an immigration operation in Charlotte, officials reported Wednesday.“Operation Charlotte’s Web” started on Saturday, Nov. 15. By Tuesday night, the arrests had reached more than 250, according to a spokesperson with the Department of Homeland Security.Spokespeople with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office confirmed multiple times that they were not involved with federal arrests. Related: Border Patrol operation underway in Charlotte: A look at your rightsAgents with the U.S. Border Patrol were expected to be in Charlotte for about a week, with the goal of targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal histories. Officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, were also believed to be active in the city -- and had been since before “Operation Charlotte’s Web” began.Federal officials say those arrested have criminal backgroundsAccording to the Department of Homeland Security, those arrested in Charlotte arrested include alleged gang members and people charged with crimes ranging from driving while intoxicated to aggravated assault. Federal officials have highlighted a handful of people arrested and their alleged criminal backgrounds, but it was not immediately clear how many of the 250 people arrested had criminal backgrounds.It was also not immediately clear where those arrested were taken, and what charges they faced, if any.Federal officials did identify all 250 people as being undocumented immigrants. There have been some reports of federal agents arresting U.S. citizens in the Charlotte area since the Border Patrol operation began.See more: Video: Federal agent seen breaking car window amid first day of Charlotte operationMultiple U.S. citizens have criticized the sometimes-violent arrests. Federal agents were recorded on at least two occasions busting the side windows out of vehicles. One citizen was forced out of her car and cited for impeding their operations by honking her horn to alert others of the agents’ presence.Read: Neighbor witnesses Border Patrol forcing US citizens out of car, arresting them in CharlotteStudent response to federal presenceStudents within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have staged walkouts to protest Border Patrol’s and ICE’s presence within the community. Meanwhile, schools have also noticed a decline in attendance. More than 30,000 CMS students were absent on Monday, according to district officials. More walkouts were planned for Thursday and Friday.Similarly, adults took to the streets on Saturday, Nov. 15 and throughout the week to protest the agents’ arrival.Mecklenburg County officials pass resolutionArea residents and lawmakers were divided on their support of the operation. Read also: ‘Your city stands with you’: Charlotte mayor expresses concern, support for community amid immigration operationDuring a meeting on Tuesday night, Mecklenburg County commissioners unanimously passed a resolution to affirm their support of immigrant communities. The meeting also called for federal agents to notify the county about arrests.Related: What city officials in North Carolina can and can’t do about ICE and Border PatrolBusinesses affected by operationDuring Tuesday’s Mecklenburg County meeting, the Latin American Chamber of Commerce Charlotte said that Latin-owned businesses contribute almost $13 billion to Charlotte’s economy yearly. Now, several businesses have shut their doors for the duration of Border Patrol’s presence.Related: Beloved bakery closes temporarily due to Border Patrol operation in CharlotteMeanwhile, other community organizations have stepped up to help others. Compare Foods began offering free food delivery to those who didn’t feel comfortable leaving their homes. Other organizations hosted ICE Watch Patrol trainings.Border Patrol agents go beyond CharlotteFederal agents were expected to be in Charlotte for about a week. Officials noted Border Patrol agents in Blowing Rock for a portion of Wednesday morning. Read also: Border Patrol agents spotted in Blowing Rock, officials confirmAgents were also expected to head to Raleigh, though for how long was not made clear.Copyright 2025 WBTV. All rights reserved.