Charlotte ’s small business community is reeling as federal immigration agents launched a large-scale operation, leaving empty streets and shuttered storefronts.

The highly publicized crackdown, known as Operation Charlotte’s Web, has sparked backlash from small business owners and city officials, who say the raids have disrupted local commerce and created fear in immigrant communities.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told Newsweek on November 18 that during the first three days of the operation, U.S. Border Patrol arrested more than 200 individuals.

City officials and business owners say the presence of U.S. Border Patrol has triggered a drop in foot traffic among customers and staff, leaving neighborhoods quiet and threatening the economic heartbeat of the city.

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