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Federal agents have descended on the Democratic-run city as part of President Donald Trump's growing operation on undocumented immigration, according to authority reports.

The operation, called "The Charlotte Initiative", was revealed on the weekend, with representatives stating that "criminal illegal aliens" would be targeted in the urban area.

"We are surging Homeland Security personnel to Charlotte to protect American citizens and eliminate security risks," a spokesperson commented.

City authorities, including Charlotte's mayor, published a collective announcement opposing the operation, saying it was causing "unnecessary fear and uncertainty" in the community.

Operation Details

Specialized transport and elite units could be participating in the Charlotte area enforcement action, according to confidential reports.

Multiple congregants doing yard work at a local place of worship retreated to wooded areas when agents arrived, with one man being taken into custody, according to witness statements.

"We thought church was safe and no incidents would occur," a young bystander told reporters.

Background Situation

Since the presidential term renewal, government agencies have been dispatched to various urban centers including Washington DC, Los Angeles and Chicago to fulfill the commitment of "the biggest immigration enforcement effort" in the nation's records.

The Department of Homeland Security said they are implementing the campaign because North Carolina has not respected the nearly 1,400 ICE persons held, meaning they had been discharged due to "protective measures".

Local Designation

The city is not a protective jurisdiction - urban areas that have policies in place to restrict cooperation given to government enforcement - but it is a "designated immigrant-friendly municipality". This is a official classification for cities that are committed to immigrant integration.

"President Trump and Secretary [Kristi] Noem will step up to protect Americans when sanctuary politicians refuse," officials stated.

Population Background

The city is an ethnically diverse community, with about 17% of inhabitants being foreign-born, according to demographic data.

DHS has not revealed how long the raids will last. The Chicago operation, which commenced several months ago is persisting.

Political Reaction

Recently, Democratic representative Alma Adams said she was notified about the initiative and was "seriously troubled" about federal officers coming to North Carolina.

The next city on the federal schedule is set to be the Louisiana city, according to reports, and that as many as 200 agents could be sent to the location.

Campaigns in previous cities like major urban centers have faced criticism over concerns of excessive use of force.

Legal Resources

Officials said there are "a number of organisations available to support persons needing legal advice on immigration matters".

• Immigration law groups are prepared to support concerned persons
• Community resources can provide advice on individual entitlements
• Government procedures exist for raising issues about campaigns