Federal authorities have initiated operations in New Orleans to target immigrants accused of violent crimes as part of the Trump administration’s nationwide immigration crackdown. Masked agents have been observed patrolling a predominantly Hispanic suburb, making arrests outside a home improvement store. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino has been coordinating enforcement activities in various cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Charlotte.
Over 200 officials from Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are involved in the New Orleans operation, aiming to apprehend as many individuals as possible over a two-month period. The operation, led by U.S. Homeland Security Department Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, focuses on immigrants released after being arrested for serious offenses such as home invasion, armed robbery, and rape.
Under President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation efforts, immigration officials have been conducting operations in both large metropolitan areas and smaller communities since the beginning of the year. The upcoming operation in Minnesota is expected to target Somali immigrants.
Dubbed “Catahoula Crunch,” the enforcement effort in Louisiana follows the trend of region-specific naming conventions. The operation, also referred to as “Swamp Sweep” in planning documents obtained by media outlets, has created fear and uncertainty within the immigrant population of New Orleans, a city renowned for its cultural diversity and vibrant heritage.
Residents have reported witnessing federal agents arresting individuals in public spaces, with some businesses in Hispanic neighborhoods temporarily closing their doors in response to the crackdown. The enforcement actions have sparked protests and legal challenges, with concerns raised about potential abuses by federal officers.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, aligning state policies with the federal government’s stance on immigration enforcement, emphasized a focus on apprehending criminal immigrants. The deployment of National Guard members is anticipated to bolster efforts to combat crime in New Orleans, with plans for a sustained crackdown on illegal immigration across the region.
Immigrant rights groups have raised objections to new state laws that expand prosecutorial powers concerning interactions with federal immigration authorities, citing concerns about freedom of speech and potential legal repercussions for providing support and guidance to affected individuals.