UPDATE: Charlotte residents are rallying in response to a federal immigration crackdown, with hundreds attending a dramatic training session at Dilworth United Methodist Church on Wednesday evening. Volunteers are learning how to protect their immigrant neighbors as authorities confirm over 250 arrests in the area since the operation commenced.
URGENT: The federal operation, dubbed Operation Charlotte’s Web, has left many families in fear, prompting swift community action. Residents are banding together to patrol neighborhoods, guard school entrances, and ensure the safety of their children. Parents are especially concerned, with 30,000 students absent from school on Monday alone, a staggering 20% of the district’s enrollment.
At the training session, Rev. Joel Simpson emphasized the need for community vigilance. “We’re going to document and record unlawful practices,” he declared, as participants practiced signaling to warn others of immigration activity. Volunteers will patrol the city in pairs, maintaining a safe distance from law enforcement.
The initiative, organized by Siembra NC, aims to empower residents to act against potential constitutional violations. Hundreds have attended similar sessions, with many expressing their desire to support their community during this crisis. “I’m feeling empowered,” one participant shared. “I can channel my love and anger into something that supports others.”
Local educators report heightened anxiety among students. “What happens if my parents aren’t there?” is a common question, leading teachers to assure students of their safety. Jamie Roldan, a teacher at Charlotte East Language Academy, stated, “My classroom is a safe space, and it will stay that way.”
As fear grips the city, parents and PTA members are stepping up, standing guard at school entrances to reassure students and alert staff of any immigration enforcement presence. Amy Hawnelson, a PTA member, remarked, “We’re standing there bearing witness and being part of the community.”
Business owners are also taking action. Bryan Li, a local entrepreneur, has been patrolling neighborhoods to monitor immigration activity, expressing a deep commitment to protecting vulnerable families. “Charlotte will stand united and protect our immigrant community with everything we have,” he stated.
However, local businesses are feeling the strain, with many closing their doors due to fear of federal raids. Greg Asciutto, of the community development organization CharlotteEast, noted that approximately half of their mom-and-pop businesses have shut down, drawing parallels to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amid these troubling developments, community members are implementing strategies similar to those seen in Chicago, including warning whistles and rights-awareness campaigns. Flags from Honduras, Colombia, and Mexico now adorn local homes and businesses as symbols of solidarity.
As the situation unfolds, the community remains on high alert, with ongoing training sessions scheduled to further educate and mobilize residents. The next phase of this grassroots effort could be crucial as families continue to navigate these challenging times.
WHAT’S NEXT: Community organizers are planning more training sessions as public concern grows. Local leaders urge residents to remain vigilant and to support each other as the immigration crackdown continues to impact lives across Charlotte.