North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein spoke on Sunday evening about the Border Patrol activity in Charlotte over the weekend, saying that the actions of agents have been "stoking fear" and are "racial profiling.

(Reuters) -Federal agents arrested at least 81 people in Charlotte, North Carolina this weekend, a senior commander said on Sunday, marking a sharp escalation in the Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign.

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

Border Patrol agents descended on Charlotte this weekend searching for immigrants in the country illegally. It remains unclear how long they will stay.

Protests erupted across North Carolina as hundreds rallied in Raleigh against Border Patrol operations in Charlotte, demanding an end to Trump's immigration policies. Demonstrators carried signs advocating for immigrant kindness and community unity,

Reports have emerged of federal agents arresting U.S. citizens amid the ongoing immigration crackdown taking place in the city.

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

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino has left Chicago for North Carolina​, but communities on Chicago have nevertheless remained on high alert since he departed.