CHARLOTTE, N.C. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in coordination with multiple federal agencies, arrested five illegal aliens during a targeted enforcement operation in the Charlotte area on Feb. 6.
The operation, conducted with Norfolk Southern Railroad Federal Police, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, aimed to improve the safety of freight trains and their crews. Authorities had received increased reports of gang-affiliated individuals engaging in criminal activity along the rail tracks, including trespassing, drug sales, and threats against railway employees and citizens.
All individuals taken into custody were arrested on administrative immigration charges and remain in ICE custody pending removal.
ICE stated that its enforcement efforts focus on public safety and national security, emphasizing that individuals illegally present in the U.S. may be detained and processed for removal.
The arrests come amid growing concerns over criminal activity along Charlotte’s railways.