Federal officers began a large operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday. The move created fear in many parts of the city. People said officers arrived with little warning and moved through homes, streets, and work sites. Many residents said the sweep did not feel planned in a clear way, and they were unsure why the city had become a focus. One of the first reports came from a small church in east Charlotte. A group of members were doing simple yard work when masked officers arrived. People said the officers did not explain their purpose. They did not ask questions or show any form of identification. They took one man away as his family stayed inside the building. Members said they felt unsafe and confused. They feared that other people at the site might also be taken. The group said the event created a sense of shock in a place they once saw as safe. Federal officials later said the operation was part of a wider effort to remove individuals who they believe may pose a threat. They said the goal is to keep the public safe. They added that people should not fear officers if they are following the law. But many local leaders said the sweep caused stress for people who were not breaking any rules. They pointed out that residents were simply going to work, helping at church, or caring for their homes. Several other people in the area reported sudden visits from officers. In one case, two workers were putting up Christmas lights at a home in east Charlotte. The homeowner saw two officers walk into her yard. One officer tried to speak with the workers in Spanish. The workers did not respond. The officers then left without making arrests. The homeowner said the scene felt wrong because the workers were just doing a job. She said it felt like the officers were looking for easy targets away from crowds or cameras. More stories came from people who were stopped while driving. One man born in Honduras but now a U.S. citizen said he was stopped twice. During the second stop, officers broke his car window and ordered him out. He told them he was a citizen. Officers asked him where he was born and did not seem to accept his first answer. He was later released when he showed proof of citizenship. He said he felt shaken because he believed officers did not trust him even after he explained his status. Local groups said they saw more stops and patrols throughout the day. Some families said they stayed inside their homes. Several small stores closed early because owners feared customers might get stopped. Community workers said many people did not know what was happening, and rumors spread quickly. Many feared large numbers of arrests. City leaders said that Charlotte is not near a border and does not understand why such a large force was sent there. They said actions like this harm trust between residents and officials. They said people should not be afraid to go to work or travel across the city. They argued that the sweep targeted people who only wanted to live normal lives. Leaders said the operation raised concerns about civil rights for everyone, not just immigrants. State officials said that in past operations, many of the people detained had no criminal history. Some were even citizens. They urged residents to record any behavior they felt was not right and to report it to local police. They said residents should stay calm but alert. They also said no one should face force without a clear reason. Other voices supported the federal action. They said officers should be allowed to do their work. They argued that laws must be enforced and that the sweep shows a strong effort to secure communities. They said people who are in the country legally should not worry. The sweep in Charlotte followed earlier actions in other large U.S. cities. It also came months after national officials said Charlotte was not doing enough to protect the public after a violent incident on the city’s rail system. At the church where the first arrest happened, members said they will pause services and outdoor work until people feel safe again. They said they once believed the church grounds were free from fear. Now they worry it could happen again. Many hope the city will return to normal soon.