On November 17, 2025, a protest organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) took place in San Antonio, Texas, in response to a law enforcement raid that resulted in the arrest of approximately 150 individuals believed to be undocumented. This operation was part of an investigation into the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, known for its violent activities. The PSL characterized the law enforcement actions as 'kidnapping and detaining over 150 workers.'

The protest began around 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Basse Road and San Pedro Avenue, near the site of the raid conducted by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and local law enforcement. About 70 residents participated, carrying signs that criticized the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with slogans such as 'S.A.P.D. Tearing Families Apart' and 'Money for Jobs and Education, Not for Racist Deportations.' Protesters also displayed flags from Mexico and Nicaragua while chanting against ICE's deportation practices. The raid, which was court-approved, targeted a food trailer lot that also served as a makeshift nightclub, and those arrested were reported to be citizens of Mexico, Honduras, and Venezuela.

The FBI confirmed the operation but provided limited details, stating it was a court-authorized activity. This protest occurred near a now-closed migrant shelter that had housed over 60,000 Venezuelan nationals during its operation, receiving significant federal funding during the Biden administration, while funding had been reduced under the Trump administration. The closure of the shelter followed the implementation of stricter immigration policies that ended previous 'catch and release' practices.

In a related development, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina reported a significant spike in student absenteeism, with 30,339 students absent on November 17, 2025. This increase was attributed to heightened ICE operations in the area, coinciding with the launch of 'Operation Charlotte's Web' by the Department of Homeland Security on November 15, which aimed to detain individuals labeled as 'criminal illegal aliens.' Initially, the school district estimated around 21,000 absences, but later clarified that the figure was unofficial and could vary based on various factors, including preschool-aged children and students engaged in virtual learning. Approximately 31% of the district's student population identifies as Hispanic, a demographic particularly affected by such enforcement actions.

Local businesses reportedly closed during the ICE raids, which targeted various locations including restaurants and grocery stores. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that over 200 individuals were detained in the first three days of the operation. In response, CMS Assistant Communications Officer Tom Miner reassured the community that there had been no immigration enforcement on school property and emphasized that the district does not inquire about students' immigration status during enrollment. He noted that immigration officials require a valid warrant to access private areas within schools.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles expressed her commitment to fairness and dignity in the city, urging federal authorities to consider the impact of their actions on local communities. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein also criticized the raids, advocating for a focus on violent criminals rather than individuals engaged in everyday activities, and encouraged residents to remain peaceful while reporting any misconduct to local law enforcement.