Charlotte, North Carolina erupted in emotional protests after federal immigration raids swept through the city, prompting the beloved Manolo’s Bakery to shut its doors for the first time in nearly 30 years. Residents say unmarked cars with masked officers grabbed pedestrians off the street, intensifying fear among immigrant communities.<br /><br />Bakery owner Manolo Betancur described witnessing people being thrown to the ground and detained without warning — actions he called “terror” and “inhumane.” He closed his business to protect employees and customers after families began disappearing overnight.<br /><br />Supporters and counter-protesters gathered outside the bakery, highlighting deep divisions in Charlotte over President Donald Trump’s nationwide mass-deportation campaign. While some residents defended CBP actions as necessary law enforcement, others condemned the raids as unlawful, racially targeted, and devastating to families and local businesses.<br /><br />More than 130 people were detained during the first two days of the operation, according to CBP. Community leaders, business owners, and attorneys warn the tactics have caused unprecedented fear, emptying streets and shutting down immigrant-run businesses across the city.<br /><br /><br /><br />#Charlotte #ImmigrationRaids #CBP #ICE #ManolosBakery #ImmigrantRights #Deportation #TrumpAdministration
