Cristina Rojas, a newly naturalized U.S. citizen as of March, has temporarily shut down The Batchmaker, her well-known bakery in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Despite her citizenship, she says the recent immigration enforcement actions under the Trump administration have created an atmosphere of fear that threatens her community’s daily life and sense of safety.
Cristina Rojas Speaks Out on Identity and Safety
“A Paper Doesn’t Change Who I Am”
Rojas told CBS News that becoming a U.S. citizen did not erase her Honduran roots or her identity as a Hispanic immigrant. She emphasized that while she holds legal status, her appearance still places her in a vulnerable position during heightened immigration operations.
Putting Family Before Business
The bakery owner acknowledged that shutting her business brings financial losses, but she believes her family’s safety comes first. She continues to offer pickup-only services to a limited number of customers who already had long-standing preorders.
Rojas said she expects the closure to have a major economic impact, but she will not compromise her family’s well-being:
“There’s going to be a huge loss, but there’s no financial gain worth risking our safety.”
Immigration Operation Sparks Fear Across North Carolina
“Operation Charlotte’s Web” Leads to Over 200 Arrests
Since Friday, more than 200 individuals have been detained during a Department of Homeland Security initiative known as Operation Charlotte’s Web.
On Tuesday, immigration agents also expanded enforcement actions to the Raleigh area, with DHS explaining that they are targeting what they call the “worst of the worst.”
Community Members See Themselves in Those Detained
Rojas said she relates deeply to those affected, including people who are now too afraid to work or send their children to school. She stressed that citizenship does not erase her immigrant identity or the fear she feels for her community.
Student Walkouts and State Leaders Raise Concerns
30,000 Students Absent in Protest
The tension has spread across Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, where over 30,000 students—around 22% of the district—missed classes on Monday as part of walkouts against immigration enforcement activities.
Governor Criticizes Border Patrol’s Approach
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein sharply criticized the enforcement tactics, arguing that the actions do not prioritize public safety.
He stated that rather than focusing on individuals involved in violent crime or drug trafficking, immigration agents are “sweeping sidewalks, parking lots, stores, and churches”, creating widespread fear and uncertainty across communities.
The temporary closure of The Batchmaker reflects a broader climate of anxiety in North Carolina’s immigrant communities.
Even those who have completed the long journey to citizenship—like Cristina Rojas—say the recent wave of immigration enforcement has resurrected old fears, disrupted daily routines, and strained families emotionally and financially.
As protests grow and state leaders call for more targeted actions, residents hope for a safer and more compassionate approach moving forward.
