Charlotte bakery owner denies entry to former Border Patrol commander

Manolo Betancur, owner of Manolo’s Bakery in Charlotte, North Carolina, denied entry to Gregory Bovino, a former U.S. Border Patrol commander associated with the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement. The encounter occurred following a tense discussion regarding immigration enforcement in the city.

Betancur stated that the bakery has been significantly impacted by ‘Operation Charlotte’s Web,’ a federal enforcement operation that increased the presence of immigration officers in the area. The business owner reported that the operation caused fear among employees and customers, leading him to temporarily close the bakery to ensure safety.

Betancur noted that the financial strain from these enforcement actions has brought his business debt close to $100,000. Manolo’s Bakery has previously filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security seeking damages for losses allegedly connected to the enforcement operation.