Author’s Granddaughter Condemns DHS’s “Charlotte’s Web” Operation
UPDATE: The granddaughter of renowned author E.B. White has publicly condemned the use of the title “Charlotte’s Web” for a controversial immigration enforcement operation in Charlotte, North Carolina. The operation, named Operation Charlotte’s Web, was initiated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and included a series of immigration raids that resulted in 81 arrests on Saturday alone.
Martha White, E.B. White’s granddaughter and literary executor, sharply criticized the federal operation in a statement shared with CNN. She asserted that her grandfather “certainly didn’t believe in masked men, in unmarked cars, raiding people’s homes and workplaces without IDs or summons.” This statement comes as the DHS has ramped up its efforts nationwide, arresting thousands and deporting nearly 200,000 people as of late August.
The operation’s name has drawn ire, as it contrasts sharply with the themes of compassion and community found in her grandfather’s beloved children’s story. Martha White emphasized that E.B. White “believed in the rule of law and due process,” highlighting a significant disconnect between the story’s message and the agency’s actions.
In a social media post, Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino, who is from North Carolina, embraced the “Charlotte’s Web” messaging, referencing a poignant moment from the book. However, Martha White called out the DHS for appropriating her grandfather’s work to justify actions that stand in stark opposition to its fundamental ideals of generosity and inclusion.
The controversy surrounding Operation Charlotte’s Web has sparked significant backlash. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein condemned the operation, stating that it involved “masked, heavily armed agents in paramilitary garb” targeting individuals based on their skin color. He described the raids as racially motivated and a violation of civil liberties.
Bovino defended the operation, claiming that many of those arrested had “significant criminal and immigration history.” The crackdown not only disrupted lives but also forced local businesses, including a popular Colombian bakery, to close temporarily for safety. Owner Manuel “Manolo” Betancur expressed concern for his customers and family after witnessing agents apprehending individuals outside his shop.
This is not the first instance where the Trump administration has faced criticism for naming immigration operations after personal stories. Last month, the mother of a woman featured in Operation Midway Blitz expressed her disapproval, stating her daughter would not want to be associated with such a politically charged initiative.
As the situation unfolds, Martha White urges the public to recognize the importance of speaking out against the misappropriation of her grandfather’s legacy. “It’s important to know when to speak up,” she stated, emphasizing the need to challenge narratives that promote fear and division.
The DHS has yet to respond to CNN’s request for commentary on Martha White’s statement. With the operation’s impact resonating throughout the community, local leaders and activists continue to voice their concerns about the implications of such policies on immigrants and families in Charlotte and beyond.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds and as community responses to Operation Charlotte’s Web continue to grow.
