In Charlotte, North Carolina, the deployment 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 the increased immigration raids, which have intensified following the recent 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 mobilized to support immigrants, with some residents actively warning others about ICE's presence. Reports indicate that ICE has been active 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) announced “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” which has resulted in over 250 arrests statewide, citing local law enforcement's refusal to cooperate with ICE detainers as justification for these actions.

Local leaders have condemned these enforcement tactics, describing them 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 extended to local educational programs, such as OurBridge, which serves children from diverse backgrounds. The program's director criticized the raids as unnecessary and harmful to community safety. The local school district reported a significant 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 suggests that approximately 97 percent of those detained are either U.S. citizens or individuals seeking asylum, raising concerns about the broader impact of such enforcement actions on communities.

During these discussions, host Ali Velshi compared the actions of liberal activists protesting against ICE to historical civil rights movements, emphasizing the importance of advocacy regardless of geographic location. He expressed discontent with comments made by local officials regarding the presence of out-of-town protesters, suggesting that such activism is essential for effecting change.

The conversations also addressed the racial dynamics at play in the current immigration discourse, with participants noting that the framing of undocumented individuals as threats has shifted to a more generalized portrayal of 'brown people' as undeserving of protection. The psychological impact of ICE raids on immigrant communities was also highlighted, with claims that these operations serve to instill fear rather than address actual safety concerns. The raids have been characterized as militaristic, with federal agents conducting operations in a manner that disrupts daily life and family structures.

The implications of these findings challenge the justification for aggressive immigration enforcement policies that disproportionately affect non-violent individuals. The data suggests a disconnect between public perception and the reality of who is being targeted in these operations, prompting a reevaluation of the effectiveness and morality of current immigration strategies.