Cristina Rojas, a recent U.S. citizen, has decided to temporarily close her bakery, The Batchmaker, located in Charlotte, North Carolina. This decision follows an immigration crackdown by the Trump administration that has raised concerns about community safety.
Closure of The Batchmaker Bakery
Rojas became a U.S. citizen in March 2023. However, she emphasizes that her identity as a Honduran and Hispanic person remains unchanged. “The fact that a paper tells me you’re now a citizen doesn’t take away from the fact that I look the way I look,” she stated in an interview with CBS News.
The closure of her bakery is a precautionary measure for her family’s safety. Rojas is limiting operations to pick-up service for pre-existing orders, taking the situation one day at a time. “I think there’s going to be a huge loss, but I don’t think that there’s a price I am willing to pay to risk it,” she expressed.
Operation Charlotte’s Web
This situation unfolds as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched “Operation Charlotte’s Web.” Since the operation began, more than 200 arrests have been made. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also expanded its efforts into the Raleigh, North Carolina area, asserting that its focus is on the “worst of the worst” offenders.
Community Impact and Protests
The crackdown has instilled fear within the community. Rojas says, “I see myself through the people that have been detained.” She acknowledges the shared anxiety of families unable to work or attend school due to the heightened enforcement measures.
- Over 30,000 students from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools were absent following the immigration enforcement actions.
- This represents approximately 22% of the total district enrollment.
Government Response
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein criticized the tactics employed by the Border Patrol. He stated that these actions do not enhance public safety. Stein pointed out that the enforcement strategy seems indiscriminate, affecting everyday spaces such as stores and churches. He voiced his concern about the resultant fear and uncertainty in the community.
Overall, Rojas’s decision to close her bakery reflects broader community anxieties amidst ongoing immigration enforcement efforts. The situation highlights the intersection of immigration policies and individual lives in North Carolina.
