Ely Portillo
Executive EditorEly Portillo is Executive Editor at WFAE. In this role, he is responsible for planning and editing daily news coverage, as well as working on newsletters, digital content and long-term projects. A Charlotte journalist for more than 15 years, Ely worked at the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute and the Charlotte Observer before coming to WFAE.
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A law enforcement source with knowledge of the operation said Thursday that U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents are leaving Charlotte. Agents have been in the city conducting sweeps since Saturday, and have arrested more than 250 people in "Operation Charlotte's Web." They have also targeted Raleigh and other cities. -
As U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched a major immigration operation this weekend and arrested dozens, it’s still not clear who agents arrested. The Department of Homeland Security hasn’t released names or charges. Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino has shared photos on social media of some of the people arrested, saying they are undocumented people who had DUIs or other criminal histories such as assault, but the agency is withholding their identities. -
Gov. Josh Stein and Charlotte officials said Tuesday that Scout Motors — a startup electric vehicle maker backed by Volkswagen — will open its U.S. headquarters in east Charlotte. -
Elected officials in Charlotte say they remain in the dark following reports that U.S. Border Patrol agents are gearing up for a major operation in the city. In a joint statement, local Democrats called for more transparency. -
Charlotte City Council member Marjorie Molina conceded her loss in the District 5 Democratic primary to challenger J.D. Mazuera Arias, after a recount this week confirmed he beat her by 34 votes. In a video posted Thursday, she thanked her supporters and said the outcome is clear. -
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden, who has been accused by multiple former employees of fostering a hostile work environment, released a lengthy video statement on Wednesday, accusing ex-employees of betrayal, disloyalty and assassination of his character. -
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles won an easy primary contest Tuesday, as expected, and is heavily favored to win her fifth term as Charlotte mayor in November. -
Krista Bokhari on Tuesday won the Charlotte City Council District 6 Republican primary, defeating Sary Chakra. -
DeCarlos Brown has been charged with a federal crime in connection with the killing of Iryna Zarutska, 23, last month on the light rail in Charlotte. -
