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A video showing a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent breaking a car window with a rifle during an arrest in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been confirmed as authentic, adding to the controversy surrounding a major immigration enforcement operation in the city.
The incident occurred in November 2025 during “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiative targeting individuals without legal status who allegedly have criminal backgrounds. According to DHS, the operation resulted in more than 130 arrests within its first few days.
The footage, which circulated widely across social media platforms including Reddit, X, Facebook, and Instagram, was recorded by Charlotte resident Shea Watts. It shows an agent in camouflage uniform using his weapon to damage a car window before several officers pulled two women from the vehicle and handcuffed them. One agent visible in the video wore a shoulder patch identifying him as a member of BORSTAR (Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue), a specialized CBP unit headquartered in El Paso, Texas.
According to local news outlets WCNC and WFMY News 2, the husband of one of the detained women stated that his wife is a U.S. citizen. In the video, the woman claims agents followed her vehicle through Charlotte’s streets for approximately five minutes before activating their lights and forcing her to stop. After detaining the women, agents reportedly held them for several hours at an FBI facility before releasing them with court appearance citations.
Watts told local media that agents accused the driver of honking her horn to warn others of border patrol presence in the area. According to Watts, one agent justified the detention by citing federal law against “assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees.”
The incident has raised questions about detention procedures and civil rights. Watts claimed on social media that one woman had called the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) while being followed by CBP agents and was advised “not to open up.” When asked about this assertion, CMPD’s Public Affairs Division provided a statement that did not directly address the claim but emphasized, “The CMPD does not participate in ICE or CBP operations, nor are we involved in the planning or execution of any federal immigration enforcement activities.”
The window-breaking incident was not isolated. Just two days earlier, on November 15, another video captured agents smashing the window of a truck belonging to Charlotte resident Willy Aceituno before dragging him to the ground and arresting him. DHS claimed on social media that Aceituno was “erratic, refused lawful commands, and had to be removed from his vehicle,” adding that he “admitted he was trying to distract officers so others could evade the law.” Aceituno, however, disputed this account in an interview with the Charlotte Observer.
Operation Charlotte’s Web represents a significant escalation in immigration enforcement in North Carolina. When announcing the operation, DHS claimed that criminals without legal status had “flocked” to North Carolina because “they knew sanctuary politicians would protect them.” The operation officially began on November 15, 2025, according to both DHS statements and CMPD.
The incidents have intensified debate about immigration enforcement tactics, particularly the use of force during apprehensions and the detention of individuals claiming U.S. citizenship. As of this reporting, CBP has not responded to requests for comment on either incident, and efforts to independently verify the citizenship status of the detained women are ongoing.
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6 Comments
This appears to be a concerning incident that warrants further investigation. The use of force by the CBP agent, particularly the rifle, seems excessive given the context. I hope the authorities provide more transparency and ensure proper procedures were followed.
This video raises serious questions about the tactics used during this immigration enforcement operation. Breaking a car window with a rifle seems like an extreme and potentially dangerous escalation. More transparency from DHS on their policies and training would be appreciated.
Concerning incident with the CBP agent using excessive force. While arrests may be necessary, de-escalation tactics should be prioritized to avoid violence. I hope the authorities investigate this thoroughly and ensure proper protocols are followed.
While immigration enforcement is a complex issue, the actions of the CBP agent in this video raise serious concerns. The use of a rifle to break a car window seems like an extreme escalation that could have endangered the individuals involved. I hope the authorities provide more transparency and ensure proper protocols are followed.
As a resident of Charlotte, I’m troubled by the reports of this incident. Immigration enforcement is a complex issue, but the use of force in this manner is alarming. I hope the CBP and local authorities can provide more context and assurances that due process was followed.
The CBP agent’s actions in this video seem concerning. While I understand the challenges of immigration enforcement, the use of a rifle to break a car window feels disproportionate. I hope this incident leads to a review of CBP tactics and training to prioritize de-escalation.