Charlotte Mothers Sue DHS Following Viral Arrest
Eight months after their highly publicized arrests by immigration agents, two Charlotte mothers have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking damages. The complaint, spanning 17 pages, was obtained by WBTV and outlines the legal arguments made by Tatiana Lacini and Kristen Luce’s attorneys regarding the federal government’s responsibility for the incidents that transpired during their encounter with officers in Plaza Midwood.
Background of the Arrests
The arrests took place during a federal immigration operation that swept through the Charlotte metropolitan area in November 2025. This crackdown, identified by DHS as “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” involved officials from Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. According to DHS, over 425 individuals were apprehended during the operation.
Central Evidence and Charges Dismissed
A video documenting the incident involving Lacini and Luce has garnered extensive online attention and now serves as key evidence in their case. Initially charged with assaulting a federal officer, their attorneys reported that those charges were dismissed in March 2026.
Community Impact and Reactions
Jake Sussman, chief counsel for the Southern Social Justice Coalition, emphasized that his clients, among many in their community, were simply responding to immigration enforcement tactics by sounding horns and blowing whistles—an act designed to alert others of nearby agents. Sussman noted that Lacini and Luce were en route to the Southern Christmas Show when they decided to document the unfolding situation.
The Chilling Effect on Immigrant Families
Residents have expressed concern over a pervasive “chilling effect” on immigrant families in the area. Elena Villarreal, a Charlotte native, voiced these sentiments during several protests in the city’s historic Hispanic community. She explained that ongoing enforcement actions have led many families to feel unsafe even in their own homes, stating, “We can’t go out right now.”
Painful Memories of Arrest
According to Sussman, the traumatic experience inflicted significant physical, emotional, and mental harm on both Lacini and Luce. He described their ordeal as one marked by threats, physical restraint, and fear, saying, “It’s a nightmare. To face three-and-a-half months of pending charges before they were dismissed was truly devastating.”
Lawsuit Details and Next Steps
The duo’s lawsuit seeks $1.2 million in damages and attorney fees for each plaintiff. Following the filing, the federal government is required to respond within six months. If it fails to do so, Sussman indicated that his clients are prepared to escalate the matter in court.
Copyright 2026 WBTV. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
