Charlotte, N.C., November 25, 2025
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have reported a significant increase in student absences, with over 20,000 students absent on consecutive days. This rise has sparked concerns among educators and parents, especially following the launch of ‘Operation Charlotte’s Web’ aimed at addressing illegal immigration. While officials have not confirmed a direct link between the immigration operation and attendance drops, many believe families may be keeping children home due to fears of enforcement activities nearby. Community reactions include protests from students against these measures.
High Student Absences in Charlotte Schools Amidst Immigration Actions
Charlotte, N.C. – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) have reported unusually high student absences over the past week, with over 20,000 students absent on Thursday and Friday, November 20 and 21, 2025. This marks a significant increase from the typical attendance rates, raising concerns among educators and parents.
Absence Statistics
On Thursday, November 20, CMS recorded 21,783 student absences, with over 20,000 categorized as unexcused. The following day, Friday, November 21, saw 24,092 students absent, including more than 22,000 unexcused absences. These figures are notably higher than the 12,854 absences reported on Friday, November 14, indicating a substantial rise in absenteeism.
Potential Link to Immigration Enforcement
The surge in absences coincides with the initiation of “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” a U.S. Border Patrol operation targeting illegal immigration in the Charlotte area. As of November 20, agents had arrested 370 individuals in the region. While CMS officials have not directly linked the increased absences to this operation, the timing has led to speculation that families may be keeping children home due to concerns over immigration enforcement activities near schools and community centers.
Community Response
In response to the heightened immigration enforcement, hundreds of students across various CMS schools have staged walkouts to protest the operation. Educational leaders and community advocates have expressed concern over the impact of these enforcement actions on student attendance and the broader community.
Background Context
CMS serves a diverse student population, with a significant number of Hispanic-identifying students. The recent immigration enforcement activities have raised questions about their potential effects on school attendance and the well-being of students and families within the district.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Student Absences | Over 20,000 students absent on November 20 and 21, 2025, with a significant increase from previous weeks. |
| Immigration Enforcement | Initiation of “Operation Charlotte’s Web” by U.S. Border Patrol, targeting illegal immigration in the Charlotte area. |
| Community Response | Hundreds of students staging walkouts to protest the immigration enforcement activities. |
| CMS Demographics | A diverse student population, with a significant number of Hispanic-identifying students. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What were the student absence rates at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools on November 20 and 21, 2025?
On November 20, CMS reported 21,783 student absences, with over 20,000 unexcused. On November 21, there were 24,092 absences, including more than 22,000 unexcused absences. These numbers are significantly higher than the 12,854 absences reported on November 14, indicating a substantial increase in absenteeism.
Is there a connection between the increased student absences and the “Operation Charlotte’s Web” immigration enforcement?
While CMS officials have not directly linked the increased absences to “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” the timing of the operation coincides with the rise in absenteeism. Families may be keeping children home due to concerns over immigration enforcement activities near schools and community centers.
How has the community responded to the immigration enforcement activities?
In response to the heightened immigration enforcement, hundreds of students across various CMS schools have staged walkouts to protest the operation. Educational leaders and community advocates have expressed concern over the impact of these enforcement actions on student attendance and the broader community.
What is the demographic composition of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools?
CMS serves a diverse student population, with a significant number of Hispanic-identifying students. The recent immigration enforcement activities have raised questions about their potential effects on school attendance and the well-being of students and families within the district.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Belmont Police Address Bomb Threat at Nellie’s Restaurant
Fatal Shooting at Motel 6 in Fort Mill Under Investigation
Delvico Dunn Appointed Executive Director of Transportation at CMS
Philadelphia Allocates Funds to Restore Bus Routes for Students
Teachers Protest Principal’s Suspension at Ardrey Kell High School
Charlotte Schools Reassure Immigrant Families on Rights
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
