North Carolina Republicans are growing increasingly wary of President Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown, which is drawing criticism for its potential to backfire in a crucial swing state. The administration’s operation, dubbed “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” has targeted what it calls the ‘worst of the worst’ criminals, but officials in the state warn that the strategy is not gaining traction with voters, especially as the state prepares for one of its most contentious Senate races in years.
Former Republican Governor Pat McCrory has raised concerns that incidents like the arrest of a man at a Charlotte shopping center, where he claimed to be a U.S. citizen, and a country club raid could harm the GOP. McCrory argued that the messaging behind the operation is unclear, with the administration failing to highlight the criminal impact of the arrests. He warned that the Republican Party was losing its political advantage on immigration, which it had long held as a key issue.
The administration’s focus on criminal arrests has not been sufficient, as national polls show that while voters generally support deporting undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes, many believe the Trump administration’s tactics have gone too far. In particular, the strategy has faced pushback from Latino voters, a demographic that Trump had previously sought to win over. Recent polls indicate that an increasing number of Latino voters are disapproving of the administration’s deportation agenda, raising concerns for the GOP.
Rep. María Salazar (R-Fla.) highlighted the discrepancy between the administration’s messaging and the reality on the ground by noting that 70% of the individuals arrested in Charlotte over a 48-hour period did not have criminal records. Salazar emphasized the need to target those who have committed violent crimes, such as murderers and rapists, rather than deporting individuals who are contributing to the economy but have no criminal record.
These concerns have spilled into the political arena, with Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley using the raids to attack his Democratic opponent, former Gov. Roy Cooper, while Cooper defended his record as a prosecutor of violent criminals. The race has become increasingly polarized, with each side using the immigration issue to highlight the other’s perceived shortcomings in public safety.
Despite these challenges, the Trump administration continues to defend its strategy, arguing that it is fulfilling its campaign promise of deporting illegal criminals. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem recently stated that the agency is targeting individuals who have committed serious crimes, including robberies, assaults, and DUIs. However, the administration’s efforts have sparked controversy, with some local businesses in Charlotte reporting closures and residents expressing fear over the presence of armed immigration agents in their communities.
As the Senate race approaches, Republicans are facing a difficult dilemma. While the administration’s actions are intended to bolster the party’s stance on immigration, the lack of clear messaging and the public’s reaction to the raids could ultimately undermine the GOP’s position, even in a state that it has historically dominated.