A Bakery's Pause: Facing Fear in the Immigration Crackdown

Cristina Rojas, a new U.S. citizen, has temporarily closed her bakery, The Batchmaker, in Charlotte. The closure isn't due to a lack of customers but stems from a growing fear amidst the current immigration climate.

A Community in Fear

Rojas, who became a citizen this year, is concerned not just for her business but for her entire community. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has arrested over 200 people in Operation Charlotte's Web, with raids spreading to Raleigh. DHS claims they are targeting the "worst of the worst," but Rojas sees herself in those being detained.

"I see myself through the people that are being terrorized."

Being a citizen doesn't alleviate her fears. She remains Hispanic, an immigrant, and part of a community feeling the impact of these raids.

Widespread Protests and Absenteeism

Students in Charlotte have been walking out of classes to protest the raids. On Monday, over 30,000 students were absent, accounting for 22% of the entire district. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has criticized the tactics, stating:

"They're just sweeping sidewalks, they're sweeping parking lots. This is causing widespread fear."

A Difficult Decision

Rojas is taking things day by day, only doing pick-ups for regular customers. She acknowledges the financial cost of closing her bakery but refuses to risk her family's safety.

"I don't think there's a price I am willing to pay to risk it."

For Rojas, this is the only choice she can make.