Federal authorities conducted raids on Nov. 15 in the banking hub of Charlotte, North Carolina, the Department of Homeland Security said.

DHS says the surge is meant to target public safety threats, but Charlotte leaders warn the federal operation is heightening fear.

The push has caused fear and anxiety, especially among people who lack legal status to be in the country, and sparked a number of lawsuits.

Federal law enforcement agents arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina, under a directive from the Department of Homeland Security.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Hundreds attended an “ICE Out” demonstration in Pack Square Park. The demonstration comes as Customs and Border Protection has started an operation in North Carolina called “Charlotte’s Web” in the Queen City.

Federal officials confirmed Saturday that a surge of immigration enforcement in North Carolina’s largest city has begun, as agents were seen making arrests in multiple locations.

The latest city bracing for the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown is Charlotte, North Carolina, which could see an influx of federal agents as early as this weekend, a county sheriff said Thursday.

A surge of federal agents arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina Saturday to take part in immigration arrests despite protests from the mayor and other local officials.

North Carolina residents attended a training session on what rights people have when interacting with immigration authorities and how to spot federal immigration agents Friday in Charlotte, N.C.