BORTAC Joins Operation Charlotte’s Web After Nearly 1,400 Detainers Go Unheeded in North Carolina

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched Operation Charlotte’s Web on Saturday, sending federal law enforcement to Charlotte to target criminal illegal aliens whose ICE detainers were not honored across North Carolina.

Two agencies, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), are federal law enforcement agencies under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. “Americans should be able to live without fear of violent criminal illegal aliens hurting them, their families, or their neighbors,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “We are surging DHS law enforcement to Charlotte to ensure Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed. There have been too many victims of criminal illegal aliens.”

DHS officials said nearly 1,400 ICE detainers statewide went unacted upon, resulting in the release of individuals with prior arrests for violent crimes, sexual offenses, and other serious charges.

Federal authorities cited several examples of released individuals who were arrested on Saturday:

• Jordan Renato Castillo-Chavez, Costa Rica, previously arrested for indecent liberties with a child, first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, and solicitation of a child via computer.

• Jose Ulloa-Martinez, Honduras, arrested for murder.

• Osman Armondo Paz-Ortiz, Honduras, arrested for sexual offenses involving minors.

• Jeferson Moises Martinez-Sorto, Honduras, arrested for sexual battery and fleeing law enforcement.

• William Santos-Roca, Guatemala, arrested multiple times for DWI and other offenses.

• Carlos Manuel Portillo-Guevara, El Salvador, arrested for carrying and discharging a weapon.

• Olvin Esau Calero-Martinez, Honduras, with a history of theft, burglary, property crimes, and drug possession.

  
  

Late Sunday, Governor Josh Stein released a statement, emphasizing the need for public safety while urging calm in response to the federal operation. He said that criminal illegal aliens should be deported—but not during community holiday activities.

“Public safety is the top priority for all of us in government – and that means fighting crime, not stoking fear or causing division,” Stein said. “We should all focus on arresting violent criminals and drug traffickers. Unfortunately, that’s not always what we have seen with ICE and Border Patrol Agents in Chicago and elsewhere around the country. The vast majority of people they have detained have no criminal convictions, and some are American citizens.

“I want to encourage North Carolinians to remember our values. We follow the law. We remain peaceful. We do not allow ourselves to be provoked. We stand with our neighbors. And when we see injustice, we bear witness. If you see any inappropriate behavior, use your phones to record and notify local law enforcement, who will continue to keep our communities safe long after these federal agents leave. That’s the North Carolina way.

“While dangerous individuals should be deported, we should not be doing so while people are hanging Christmas decorations. Public safety, lawfulness, and respect for our neighbors must guide our actions. As this situation develops, I will continue to stay in touch with local and state officials to keep people safe, respect the rule of law, and support our people.”

The landscapers who were helping a homeowner with Christmas decorations were not arrested, sources told WCAB News.

Operation Charlotte’s Web is one of the largest federal enforcement efforts in the state in recent years, including personnel from BORTAC, the Border Patrol Tactical Unit. The elite unit handles high-risk incidents and counterterrorism efforts domestically and abroad. 

DHS officials stated that personnel will remain in multiple counties as the operation continues. "We have learned that Asheville may be a targeted city," Mayor Esther Manheimer said on Friday. "I stand with the Governor in his strong statement in support of all of our civil rights."