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Over 250 persons have been taken into custody in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of escalating federal immigration enforcement operations, according to government statements.

Expanding Federal Operations

Charlotte marks the latest American city to face heightened federal involvement, following comparable operations in major metropolitan areas like Chicago and Los Angeles previously. Government officials have claimed that those apprehended include criminal elements and gang members.

Community Resistance

However, local lawmakers and citizens have strongly criticized the apprehensions, which federal officials have designated "Operation Charlotte's Web". The state's Democratic governor has claimed that residents are being selected based on their ethnicity.

"We've witnessed masked, armed agents in paramilitary garb driving unmarked vehicles, targeting American citizens based on their appearance, engaging in racial discrimination and apprehending arbitrary people in community locations," declared the state governor. "This approach is not enhancing our security."

Government Position

In a freshly published declaration, a federal spokesperson asserted that the campaign has resulted in the arrest of "including the most threatening criminal undocumented individuals", including gang members.

Further subjects detained had been sentenced for various crimes, including assault on law enforcement personnel, DWI offenses, theft and altering government papers, according to the agency.

Community Feedback

The city's chief executive, also a Democratic Party member, urged federal agents to function with "regard" for the city's principles. She furthermore praised those who engaged in substantial quantities on Saturday to protest the federal authority's actions in the city.

"I am seriously worried by multiple of the footage I've observed," remarked the mayor. "To everyone in Charlotte who is feeling worried or apprehensive: you are not isolated. Your city backs you."

Ongoing Measures

Federal authorities have not announced how long the operations will last. Chicago's crackdown started in September and remains in progress. Like other cities experiencing immigration measures, some foreign nationals in Charlotte are staying indoors due to fear about federal agents in the city, according to local media.

The state governor stated he's monitoring reports that the campaign will expand to Raleigh, a different North Carolina municipality, subsequently.

"Repeatedly, I call on federal agents to focus on aggressive lawbreakers, not neighbors strolling along the avenue, visiting church, or installing holiday ornaments," he wrote.