Charlotte NC, December 26, 2025
David Cárdenas Centeno, an asylum-seeker who underwent open-heart surgery at Duke University Hospital, is reported to be in stable condition. His case has highlighted the heightened immigration enforcement situation in North Carolina, particularly following his arrest during a routine check-in. The incident has evoked significant advocacy efforts and reflects broader concerns about immigration policies and community impacts amid ongoing enforcement actions.
Charlotte, North Carolina – An asylum-seeker at the center of a widely discussed case in North Carolina is reported to be in stable condition following open-heart surgery that took place on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. David Cárdenas Centeno, whose situation has garnered significant attention, underwent the critical procedure at Duke University Hospital in Durham.
Details of the Controversial Case
Mr. Centeno’s health crisis and subsequent surgery are recent developments in a controversial asylum case that has become a prominent example amidst an ongoing immigration crackdown across North Carolina. His ordeal began on December 4, 2025, when he was arrested during a routine annual check-in at the Department of Homeland Security office in Charlotte. Following his arrest, Centeno was transferred to an undisclosed detention facility, where he experienced a severe medical emergency. This health incident necessitated his transfer to Atrium Health’s hospital in Pineville, a suburb south of Charlotte.
During his hospitalization, Mr. Centeno’s family and partner encountered difficulties in obtaining information regarding his condition from both federal immigration officials and the hospital. Advocacy efforts by Siembra NC, a nonprofit organization that has emerged as a leading voice for immigrants during recent enforcement actions, played a crucial role in bringing attention to his case. Ultimately, Centeno was released from custody under “Alternatives to Detention,” which includes monitoring via an ankle bracelet. He is expected to continue with his immigration proceedings while managing his health.
Broader Context of Immigration Enforcement in North Carolina
The situation involving David Cárdenas Centeno highlights the heightened immigration enforcement climate in North Carolina. Data indicates a significant increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests within the state, nearly doubling in 2025 compared to the previous year. Approximately 3,400 arrests were recorded between January 20 and October 15, 2025.
“Operation Charlotte’s Web” and its Impact
This intensified enforcement is part of a broader, nationwide effort by the Trump administration to expand immigration enforcement, which began in January 2025. This push includes rolling back previous discretionary guidelines and increasing detentions, even for individuals with pending immigration cases.
A specific enforcement action, known as “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” commenced in Charlotte around November 15, 2025. This operation led to hundreds of arrests across the city and surrounding areas. Concerns were raised as many of those detained reportedly did not have criminal records, contradicting official statements that the operation primarily targeted individuals with outstanding deportation orders or criminal histories.
The enforcement surge generated widespread fear within immigrant communities, particularly affecting the construction industry, which relies heavily on Latino labor. Many immigrant workers reportedly stayed home, fearing detention or deportation simply for attending work. This fear also extended to essential services, with healthcare providers reporting that numerous patients, including both undocumented immigrants and legal residents, skipped critical medical appointments for conditions like tuberculosis, diabetes, and serious injuries due to fear of encountering federal agents. Businesses also faced disruptions, and school attendance rates saw noticeable drops in the wake of the operations.
Legal and Humanitarian Concerns
The aggressive tactics employed during the immigration crackdown have also drawn legal scrutiny. In a separate but related incident, a federal judge recently criticized federal authorities for potentially violating the rights of another asylum-seeker, Mostafa Said, who was detained during the “Charlotte’s Web” operation. The judge’s remarks underscored concerns about due process and the appropriate treatment of individuals navigating the asylum system.
The stable condition of David Cárdenas Centeno after his surgery brings a moment of relief in a case that has highlighted both individual vulnerability and the broader societal impacts of current immigration policies in North Carolina and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the latest update on the asylum-seeker in the controversial Charlotte case?
- The asylum-seeker, David Cárdenas Centeno, is in stable condition after undergoing open-heart surgery on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
- Where did the asylum-seeker’s surgery take place?
- The surgery occurred at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina.
- What led to the asylum-seeker’s medical emergency?
- David Cárdenas Centeno was arrested on December 4, 2025, during an annual check-in at the Department of Homeland Security office in Charlotte. Following his detention at an undisclosed site, he suffered a medical emergency that required hospitalization.
- Has the asylum-seeker been released from custody?
- Yes, David Cárdenas Centeno was released from custody on “Alternatives to Detention,” which includes an ankle monitor. He will continue with his immigration proceedings.
- What is “Operation Charlotte’s Web”?
- “Operation Charlotte’s Web” is an immigration enforcement action that began in Charlotte around November 15, 2025, leading to hundreds of arrests and causing widespread fear among immigrant communities.
- How has the immigration crackdown impacted North Carolina?
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests in North Carolina nearly doubled in 2025 compared to 2024. The crackdown has led to widespread fear among immigrant workers, disrupted local businesses, and caused patients to skip critical medical care.
Key Details of the Asylum-Seeker’s Case and Immigration Crackdown
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Asylum-Seeker’s Name | David Cárdenas Centeno | State-level |
| Surgery Status | Stable after open-heart surgery | State-level |
| Date of Surgery | Tuesday, December 23, 2025 | State-level |
| Location of Surgery | Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina | State-level |
| Date of Arrest | December 4, 2025 | State-level |
| Location of Arrest | Department of Homeland Security office, Charlotte, North Carolina | State-level |
| Release Status | Released on “Alternatives to Detention” (e.g., ankle monitor) | State-level |
| Advocacy Group | Siembra NC | State-level |
| ICE Arrests in NC (2025) | Approximately 3,400 arrests (Jan 20 – Oct 15, 2025), nearly double 2024 | State-level |
| “Operation Charlotte’s Web” Start Date | Around November 15, 2025 | State-level |
| Immigration Enforcement Expansion | Trump administration has expanded enforcement since January 2025 | Nationwide |
| Impact on Healthcare | Patients skipping critical medical care due to fear | State-level |
| Impact on Workforce | Widespread fear among immigrant workers, especially in construction | State-level |
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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.
