Confrontation Over Border Patrol Presence at Charlotte Bakery
Manolo Bentancur, owner of a bakery in east Charlotte, encountered the former commander of U.S. Border Patrol, Greg Bovino, at his business. This meeting unfolded in a tense conversation regarding Bovino’s presence at the location and the surrounding fears of immigration enforcement.
Bovino and a cameraman were spotted in the parking lot of the bakery when Bentancur arrived to pick up his wife from work. Last year, Bovino led Operation Charlotte’s Web, a federal immigration enforcement sweep that resulted in over 1,300 arrests, beginning at Bentancur’s bakery.
Bentancur recounted the encounter, stating Bovino asserted his right to be there. Bentancur responded by emphasizing that it was private property and noted the community’s apprehension due to immigration enforcement.
‘Ah, you’re Manolo, you are the owner,’ Bentancur says Bovino remarked. ‘You shut the business down in November to protect all the undocumented individuals here.’
Bovino clarified in a statement that he merely filmed in the area and didn’t try to enter the bakery. He reported asking Bentancur why he would prioritize undocumented individuals over American citizens, which Bentancur didn’t answer.
Bentancur expressed that his business and community are under continuous challenge, noting incidents like negative reviews and vandalism with eggs as signs of increasing hostility. He prepared for such confrontations since last November but hadn’t anticipated Bovino himself.
Action NC, a non-profit advocacy group, described Bovino’s actions as intimidation, asserting his perceived strength against a community he saw as weaker. They praised Bentancur’s strength and leadership in this situation.
‘What he encountered showed the opposite. He was immediately told he was not welcome and made to leave,’ stated Action NC.
Héctor Vaca, Director of Action NC Immigrant Justice, commended Bentancur for his advocacy and leadership, calling for Charlotte to support his business due to its community-focused ethos.