Overview

This page fact checks key claims in an ABC News article about Border Patrol operations in Charlotte, North Carolina, and related DHS talking points.

1. Federal surge of Border Patrol agents to Charlotte

Claim: DHS/CBP surged Border Patrol agents to Charlotte for an immigration enforcement operation (sometimes called “Operation Charlotte’s Web”).

What we found:

• ABC and AP reporting both describe a surge of DHS/CBP agents sent to Charlotte for immigration arrests.
• CBP commander Greg Bovino is identified as leading a similar surge.

Assessment: Supported by multiple independent news outlets.

2. Scale of arrests

Claim: Agents carried out “dozens” of arrests (with some accounts suggesting more than 80) during the Charlotte operation.

What we found:

• AP and ABC reporting both describe “dozens” of arrests.
• AP quotes Bovino’s public comments and posts citing more than 80 arrests.

Assessment: The description of “dozens” of arrests and figures in the 80+ range is consistent across outlets and is credible.

3. Local objections and “sanctuary” framing

Claim: Local officials objected to the federal surge, while DHS framed Charlotte leadership as “sanctuary politicians” undermining enforcement.

What we found: