Manolo Betancur, the owner of Manolo’s Bakery in Charlotte, North Carolina, stated that he denied entry to Gregory Bovino, a former Border Patrol commander, during an encounter on Sunday. Betancur expressed his disapproval of Bovino's presence on his property, citing a tense discussion about immigration enforcement in the city. In a statement posted on Instagram, Betancur mentioned that Bovino questioned why he regularly carries his U.S. passport, to which Betancur replied that people are targeted based on their skin color rather than nationality.
The bakery's statement also referenced Operation Charlotte’s Web, an initiative by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that increased immigration enforcement in Charlotte, leading to fear among families and employees. Betancur, who has been recognized for his charitable work, noted that he temporarily closed his bakery during the operation to protect customers and staff. He reported that his business is currently facing significant financial challenges, with debts nearing $100,000. Additionally, he has filed a lawsuit against the DHS for alleged losses incurred during the operation.
Bovino, who was a prominent figure in the Trump administration's immigration policies, expressed regret about his tenure in a March interview, stating he wished he had apprehended more undocumented individuals.