Thousands of Charlotte Students Walk Out in Protest of Border Patrol Operations Amid Record Absences
November 19, 2025
CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry and CBS News 24/7 coverage are cited for the report.
Source materials include CBS News promotional content and SocialNewsXYZ, but the core narrative centers on the student walkouts.
The event is dated Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
No additional quotes or casualty figures are provided beyond noting the protest occurred.
CMS officials stated there was no immigration enforcement on district property and no notices of planned actions at CMS campuses, while monitoring the broader Mecklenburg County situation and considering remote instruction if needed.
A wave of student walkouts in Charlotte-Mecklenburg drew thousands of absences during Monday and Tuesday amid a Border Patrol operation, with officials later confirming a record 30,399 absences though still unofficial until final state data is released.
Parents and community members publicly supported the walkouts, describing them as a constructive way for students to express opinions on immigration enforcement.
The report cites WBTV and Gray News, and notes that the situation remains active as more information continues to emerge.
CBS News coverage and access details are provided to help readers watch the story through CBS News platforms.
National framing centers on the White House’s emphasis on enforcing immigration policy against sanctuary cities.
Related local stories discuss penalties for employers hiring undocumented workers, border patrol activity impacting Raleigh and Charlotte, and the broader effects of immigration enforcement on local construction sites.
Ongoing debates and concerns about immigration enforcement in the area are highlighted, including reactions from parents and community members.
Overall coverage portrays intensified immigration enforcement in the Charlotte metro area and its impact on schools, industry, and community perception.
The event is framed within the broader crackdown and ongoing enforcement activity in the Charlotte metro area, as reports from WBTV and Gray News indicate.
The story is anchored by WBTV reporting with Gray News and local officials detailing protests and enforcement activity related to immigration in Charlotte.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles voiced deep concern about raid conduct, urged federal agencies to uphold rights and dignity, and cited emotional and economic harm to families, neighborhoods and businesses.
A related study suggests pre-teen social media use may impair reading, vocabulary and memory tests, tying into broader concerns about student performance.
A WBTV report notes border patrol activity affects staffing at Charlotte construction sites, with several industry leaders not responding to requests for comment.
A local group of parents organized a watch around Charlotte East Language Academy to monitor Border Patrol or ICE activity and inform families for safety.
Some parents linked their children’s absences to raids and communication gaps, reporting agents near schools and grocery parking lots fueling fear.
Summary based on 40 sources
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Sources

Yahoo News • Nov 18, 2025
Charlotte Schools See Nearly 21K Students Absent After Border Patrol Raids
Hawaii News Now • Nov 18, 2025
Over 30,000 Charlotte students absent from school in protest of ICE operation, reports say
Fox 10 News • Nov 18, 2025
Over 30,000 Charlotte students absent from school in protest of ICE operation, reports say
Fox 12 Oregon • Nov 18, 2025
Over 30,000 Charlotte students absent from school in protest of ICE operation, reports say