Two Charlotte women have filed federal claims against several U.S. immigration agencies, alleging they were unlawfully followed, threatened, assaulted, and arrested during an immigration enforcement operation in November 2025.
The claims, filed Monday under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), seek more than $2.5 million in damages. The women, both U.S. citizens, allege that federal agents used excessive force during the incident and later pursued criminal charges that were ultimately dismissed.
Incident
According to court filings, Tatyana Reisini and Kristen Roos were driving through east Charlotte on November 15, 2025, while federal immigration agents were conducting “Operation Charlotte’s Web.”
The women allege they noticed immigration agents in the area and honked their vehicle’s horn to alert nearby community members.
They claim agents then approached their vehicle and shouted at them. When they attempted to leave, the women say federal officers pursued them.
Pursuit
According to the claims, Reisini drove into a nearby residential neighborhood in an effort to get away.
The women allege that agents surrounded their vehicle and pointed assault rifles toward the driver’s side window while ordering them to stop.
Previously released video obtained by Queen City News reportedly shows agents breaking the driver’s side window using the barrel of a rifle before removing the women from the vehicle.
The women were then restrained with zip ties and taken into custody.
Arrest
Court filings state that neighborhood residents came outside during the incident and recorded portions of the arrests.
Roos’ husband also arrived at the scene, but the claims allege he was not permitted to speak with either woman.
According to the filings, Reisini and Roos were transported in an SUV to the FBI’s Charlotte office, where they remained for approximately four hours.
Federal authorities later issued criminal citations accusing both women of assaulting federal agents.
The women were subsequently released, and the charges were later voluntarily dismissed.
Injuries
The claims allege both women experienced physical injuries as well as emotional and psychological distress following the incident.
According to the filings, Reisini sustained cuts and scratches during the arrest and incurred repair costs after the driver’s side window of her vehicle was shattered.
The documents also state that Roos had undergone surgery just 10 days before the arrest.
Legal Claims
The Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) filed the administrative claims on behalf of Reisini and Roos under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
The claims are directed against U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies.
The women allege:
- Assault
- Battery
- False imprisonment
- False arrest
- Abuse of process
- Malicious prosecution
The FTCA requires administrative claims to be filed before a lawsuit may proceed in federal court.
Statement
Janki Kaneria, Counsel for Justice System Reform at the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, said the claims seek accountability for the agents’ conduct.
“The federal government must be held accountable for the abusive and unlawful conduct of its agents,” Kaneria said in a statement.
“The video of the agents’ outrageous behavior here speaks for itself. This notice is the first step in seeking some measure of accountability.”
Damages
According to the filings, Reisini and Roos are seeking damages exceeding $2.5 million.
At this stage, the filing represents an administrative claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Federal agencies typically review such claims before determining whether to resolve them administratively or defend against any future lawsuit.
The allegations contained in the claims have not been proven in court, and the federal agencies named have not been found liable. The administrative claims mark the first step in the legal process as Reisini and Roos seek compensation for the alleged injuries, property damage, and emotional distress stemming from their November 2025 arrest.
FAQs
Who filed the federal claims?
Tatyana Reisini and Kristen Roos.
What agencies are named in the claims?
CBP, Border Patrol, ICE, and DHS agencies.
How much are the women seeking?
More than $2.5 million in damages.
Were the criminal charges dismissed?
Yes, the charges were voluntarily dismissed.
What law were the claims filed under?
The Federal Tort Claims Act.
