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Immigration officers have descended on Charlotte as part of the federal government's intensifying campaign on undocumented immigration, according to official statements.

The campaign, named "Operation Charlotte's Web", was disclosed on the weekend, with authorities stating that "criminal illegal aliens" would be targeted in the metropolitan region.

"Federal authorities are sending Homeland Security personnel to this location to protect American citizens and remove dangerous individuals," a spokesperson commented.

City authorities, including Mayor of Charlotte Li Vyles, released a collective announcement condemning the campaign, saying it was causing "unwarranted anxiety and confusion" in the resident base.

Enforcement Measures

Specialized transport and tactical squads could be deployed for the local crackdown, according to official records.

Multiple congregants working on grounds at a church in east Charlotte retreated to wooded areas when agents arrived, with a person being taken into custody, according to accounts.

"We thought church was safe and we would be undisturbed," a teenage observer stated to media.

Background Situation

Since the presidential term renewal, government agencies have been deployed to several locations including key American cities to implement the promise of "the largest deportation programme" in US history.

The DHS said they are conducting the operation because local authorities has not complied with the nearly 1,400 Immigration and Customs Enforcement persons held, meaning they had been freed due to "sanctuary policies".

City Status

Charlotte is not a sanctuary city - municipalities that have policies in place to reduce support given to government enforcement - but it is a "designated immigrant-friendly municipality". This is a formal designation for urban centers that are committed to immigrant integration.

"The administration and its leadership will intervene to defend US citizens when sanctuary politicians won't," authorities announced.

Population Background

The city is an ethnically diverse community, with about seventeen percent of population being immigrants, according to census information.

Government agencies has not revealed how long the enforcement actions will last. Chicago's crackdown, which began in September is persisting.

Official Response

Recently, US Representative and Democrat, Alma Adams said she was made aware of the campaign and was "seriously troubled" about Border Patrol and ICE agents coming to the state.

The next city on the administration's agenda is set to be the southern municipality, according to sources, and that as many as two hundred officers could be sent to the location.

Campaigns in earlier locations like large metropolitan areas have faced criticism over allegations of overly aggressive tactics.

Assistance Availability

Officials said there are "multiple groups available to support individuals seeking legal guidance on immigration matters".

• Support agencies are prepared to support those impacted
• Area assistance programs can provide advice on immigration rights
• Official channels exist for expressing worries about campaigns