In Charlotte, North Carolina, the presence of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents has led to considerable community disruption. Local businesses, particularly those frequented by immigrants, have closed in response to increased immigration raids, which have intensified following the deployment of border patrol officers. For instance, Manolo’s Bakery closed its doors to protect its staff from potential targeting by federal agents.

Community members have rallied to support immigrants, with some residents actively warning others about ICE's activities. Reports indicate that ICE has been operating in the area for months as part of a broader enforcement strategy linked to the Trump administration's immigration policies. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” resulting in over 250 arrests statewide, citing local law enforcement's refusal to cooperate with ICE detainers as justification for these actions.

Local leaders have criticized these enforcement tactics as indiscriminate and fear-inducing. The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution supporting the immigrant community, urging federal agencies to communicate with local authorities regarding arrests. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department clarified that it does not assist with ICE operations.

The impact of these raids has also affected local educational programs, such as OurBridge, which serves children from diverse backgrounds. The program's director condemned the raids as unnecessary and detrimental to community safety. The local school district reported a notable increase in student absences, particularly among Hispanic students, as families expressed fear of potential enforcement actions.

In Chicago, discussions on the MS NOW network highlighted findings from recent ICE raids conducted on November 16 and 18, 2025. Data released by the Trump administration indicated that out of 607 individuals arrested, only 16 were classified as posing a safety risk due to their alleged criminal history. This statistic implies that approximately 97 percent of those detained are either U.S. citizens or individuals seeking asylum, raising concerns about the broader implications of such enforcement actions on communities.

The discussions emphasized the importance of advocacy against ICE, drawing parallels to historical civil rights movements. Participants noted the racial dynamics at play in the current immigration discourse, with a shift in framing that portrays undocumented individuals as threats, contributing to a narrative that marginalizes 'brown people' as undeserving of protection.

The psychological impact of ICE raids on immigrant communities was also addressed, with claims that these operations instill fear rather than address actual safety concerns. The raids have been described as militaristic, disrupting daily life and family structures.

These developments in both Charlotte and Chicago highlight the complexities of immigration enforcement and its significant effects on community cohesion and the well-being of immigrant populations. As communities respond to these federal actions, the ongoing situation underscores the need for a reevaluation of immigration policies and their implications for public safety and social equity.