CHARLOTTE -- Immigration agents raided nearly 100 "7-Eleven" stores around the country Wednesday, including two in the Charlotte area. 

ICE says immigration agents served I-9 audit notices to owners to make sure employees have the proper work authorization. 

Officials say there were no arrests in the Charlotte area during these raids, but 21 people were arrested around the country. 

Rob Heroy is an immigration attorney, and he says the raids are a sign of major changes under the new administration in the White House. 

"In the past you've seen, for the most part, the raids target individuals or even specific communities. You don't see it targeted as much at businesses," Heroy said. "I think this is evidence of a continuing trend, where we are seeing tougher and tougher crackdowns on immigration." 

Officials with 7-Eleven issued the following statement: “We are aware of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions taken at certain franchise locations.  7-Eleven Franchisees are independent business owners and are solely responsible for their employees including deciding who to hire and verifying their eligibility to work in the United States.  This means that all store associates in a franchised store are employees of the Franchisee and not 7-Eleven, Inc.  As part of the 7-Eleven franchise agreement, 7-Eleven requires all franchise business owners to comply with all federal, state and local employment laws.  This obligation requires 7-Eleven franchisees to verify work eligibility in the US for all of their prospective employees prior to hiring.  7-Eleven takes compliance with immigration laws seriously and has terminated the franchise agreements of franchisees convicted of violating these laws.”