Mack County Sheriff Releases Statement Following “Charlotte’s Web”

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office released a statement regarding the Customs and Border Patrol operation in Charlotte after the agents left the city.

In the statement, the sheriff’s office said the “Charlotte’s Web” operation created “confusion, fear and mistrust.” The message continued, MCSO had no part in the operation.

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The statement also said the sheriff’s office was given a brief heads-up before CBP personnel arrived.

The full release is as follows:

As we all know, the recent Customs and Border Patrol “Charlotte’s Web” operation has caused confusion, fear and mistrust throughout Mecklenburg County. But let me be perfectly clear: the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) played no part in creating that confusion.

That confusion stems from a lack of transparency, coordination and communication, and the rapid spread of incomplete or inaccurate information. Meanwhile, rumors and speculation have taken on a life of their own. And while others are speculating, the

MCSO is simply dealing in facts when it comes to CBP operations.

Here are the facts:

• MCSO did not assist, participate, coordinate, relay any information, or engage in any enforcement action, arrest, or operation.

• Connected to “Charlotte’s Web”.

• MCSO has no information about the estimated 370 to 400 people detained or arrested under civil immigration authorities or criminal warrants.

• Any citizen or undocumented person arrested or detained for any civil immigration-related offense, or any criminal offense brought to the Mecklenburg County Detention Center for processing.

The only communication received regarding CBP activity in Charlotte was a brief heads-up from MCSO federal officials that CBP personnel would be arriving on Saturday, November 16. Our agency received a follow-up message five days later that they would be departing on Thursday, November 20. Any other news after that is false.

Immigration didn’t suddenly become an issue when CBP arrived in Charlotte. Our community has been grappling with immigration challenges since the day I took office in December 2018. In the last several days, however, many people, including elected officials, advocates, and organizations, have shown more urgency than in the past several years. This struggle is not new to those of us who are constantly fighting this battle. And for those who are just now feeling the weight of these issues, I welcome you to the conversation. Welcome to the fight. If this recent experience opened some eyes, I hope you are now fully aware and ‘awakened’ to what our community is facing.

The way CBP operates “Charlotte’s Web” highlights the stark truth that local and federal law enforcement agencies cannot operate in silos. Our leadership must be in constant communication with each other to promote clarity and understanding.

When federal agencies operate without coordination or communication, the public suffers. Half-truths thrive. Fear increases. Trust is broken. And as your sheriff, I won’t let that happen. Without hesitation, I am renewing the call for full cooperation, genuine cooperation, and continued communication between all law enforcement partners, local and federal. Anything less is unacceptable, should be addressed, and should not be ignored by others.

If CBP agents are in fact still present, conducting enforcement operations or simply performing administrative duties, I urge them to communicate directly with the Sheriff’s Office. Our agency deserves clarity, not more chaos. MCSO will continue to provide timely updates as more verified information becomes available.

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