In Charlotte, North Carolina, a confrontation unfolded between Manolo Bentancur, owner of a well-known bakery, and former U.S. Border Patrol commander, Greg Bovino. Bentancur encountered Bovino at his bakery’s parking lot on a Sunday afternoon.
Bentancur recounted his words to Bovino, “This is private property; you are not allowed on this property. There’s a lot of fear of you, a lot of fear of ICE, and a lot of fear over what is going on in our nation.” Bovino, seen with a cameraman, had previously led Operation Charlotte’s Web, a 2025 immigration enforcement operation that resulted in over 1,300 arrests, many beginning at Bentancur’s bakery.
“Ah, you’re Manolo, you are the owner,” Bentancur mentioned Bovino identified him. “You are the one who shut the business down in November to protect all the illegals that are here.”
Queen City News contacted Bovino for his perspective. Bovino denied attempting to enter the bakery, stating he was recording businesses linked to Operation Charlotte’s Web, and a videographer wanted to buy something from the bakery, which Bentancur denied.
Bentancur commented, “It’s not like he came to walk inside the bakery; ‘No,’ I told him if you are thinking about going inside the bakery, you are not going to go inside.” Bovino reportedly questioned Bentancur on his preference for supporting undocumented immigrants over American citizens, a question Bentancur says he was unable to answer.
Bentancur described the incident as part of ongoing challenges faced by his business, such as negative reviews and vandalism. “I have been prepared since November about what I am going to be reacting,” he stated, regarding his readiness to confront such encounters.
Bovino plans to release the video of the incident online. Meanwhile, Action NC, an advocacy group, condemned Bovino’s conduct as intimidation tactics. They criticized his actions as an attempt to intimidate a community he perceives as weaker.
Héctor Vaca, the Immigrant Justice Director of Action NC, praised Bentancur for his community leadership, stating, “We applaud Manolo and support his business. He is the type of leader that our community needs more of.” The group called on Charlotte residents to support Bentancur’s business, acknowledging his role in empowering a community under pressure.