Charlotte’s Latin Businesses Grapple with Border Patrol Raids
A U.S. Border Patrol operation has cast a shadow of fear over Charlotte’s Latin community, severely impacting local businesses. Since Saturday, November 15, 2025, widespread arrests in public spaces have led many residents and business owners to express terror and concern for their safety and livelihoods.
Fear Grips the Community
Charlotte restaurateur Dalton Espaillat, owner of Raydal Hospitality Group (including Sabor Latin Grill and Three Amigos Mexican Kitchen & Cantina), described the atmosphere as one of “terror.” He notes that despite owning established businesses, many Latin residents and even business owners are afraid to leave their homes, fearing they might be targeted regardless of their legal status. Espaillat, an immigrant himself, emphasized that employees with proper documents are also fearful due to their appearance or language.
“It just seems that there’s been a lot of terror brought into our community,” Espaillat stated, highlighting a perceived targeting of the Latino population and their businesses, rather than solely criminals as the Border Patrol claims.
Local Eateries Face Drastic Changes
The impact on Latin-owned restaurants and shops has been immediate and varied:
- Manolo’s Bakery: Closed due to safety concerns, leading to public protests.
- Legends Ice Cream & Snacks: Business “slowed to almost nothing” over the weekend.
- Sweet Dreams Havana: The dining room was empty on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, with a hostess noting a direct impact on business after agents reportedly made arrests near the restaurant.
- Sabor Latin Street Grill (Steele Creek): Experienced a mixed impact; packed at lunchtime on Taco Tuesday but completely empty by 1 PM, indicating fluctuating customer confidence and staffing issues.
- China Tea Room: A nearby Chinese restaurant reported no effect on its business, with some Latino diners inside expressing a sense of safety.
Spotlight on Business Impact
| Business Name | Type | Observed Impact (Nov 18, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Manolo’s Bakery | Bakery | Closed due to safety concerns |
| Legends Ice Cream & Snacks | Dessert Shop | Business “slowed to almost nothing” |
| Sabor Latin Street Grill | Latin Street Food | Bustling then empty; staffing concerns |
| Sweet Dreams Havana | Cuban Restaurant | Empty dining room; business affected |
| China Tea Room | Chinese Restaurant | No reported effect on business |
What This Means for Charlotte
The ongoing operation has created a palpable tension, forcing many to choose between daily activities and fear of detention. While authorities have arrested over 200 people by Tuesday, little information has been released on individuals’ criminal records, fueling community speculation about indiscriminate targeting.
Espaillat voiced the community’s sentiment: “We understand that if you’re here illegally, if you’re a criminal, yes, we’re all up for that. But the way that it’s being done, I don’t think it’s being appropriately done with the amount of terror, and the kids and everything — just a specific community being targeted.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the U.S. Border Patrol doing in Charlotte?
They are conducting an operation involving widespread arrests in areas with heavy Latino populations, including grocery stores, restaurants, and a church, since November 15, 2025. - How are Charlotte’s Latin restaurants affected?
Many have closed temporarily, seen a significant drop in customer traffic, and employees and owners are experiencing fear, impacting day-to-day operations. - Is the Border Patrol targeting specific individuals?
While the Border Patrol’s stated mission is to arrest criminals, community members like Dalton Espaillat perceive the actions as targeting the broader Latino population and businesses, causing fear even among legal residents. - What kind of public response has there been?
Protests have occurred, notably outside Manolo’s Bakery after it closed due to safety concerns.
For Charlotte locals, staying informed about community developments and supporting local businesses, especially those affected, remains a crucial step during this challenging period.
Border Patrol raids terrorize Charlotte Latin businesses
