Hispanic neighborhood shops left vacant as immigration crackdown reaches Louisiana

KENNER, La. Carmela Diaz's taco restaurant stands silent, its doors locked, tables empty, and kitchen idle. Many Hispanic-owned businesses in the area, from Nicaraguan eateries to Honduran diners, have seen a sharp decline in activity recently, leaving streets once vibrant with Spanish signage unusually quiet.

Kenner, home to Louisiana's largest Hispanic population, is experiencing economic strain as a federal immigration crackdown targeting 5,000 arrests unfolds. Business owners report significant disruptions affecting both immigrant communities and U.S. citizens.

Fewer people came every day, Diaz, visibly upset, said. Some days we sold nothing. I had no choice but to close the restaurant because there simply was no business.

Federal vehicles were seen moving through Kenner's main streets as the Department of Homeland Security launched the latest operation, part of a series of nationwide enforcement efforts in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Charlotte. Videos have surfaced showing federal agents detaining individuals outside local businesses and at construction sites. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino appeared in the city with agents in tactical gear to announce the operation, called Catahoula Crunch, named after Louisianas state dog.

Community on Edge

Louisiana's Hispanic population has grown rapidly in the last 20 years, with many arriving after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to aid in rebuilding. In Kenner, located just west of New Orleans between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, Hispanics comprise around 30% of residents.

Diaz, originally from El Salvador, moved to the U.S. in 2006 after working on Texas farms. She built a business through food trucks, eventually expanding to two brick-and-mortar restaurants. Now, most operations are suspended due to the crackdown, and Diaz is offering home deliveries for customers wary of leaving home.

They dont ask for documents or investigate, Diaz said. They just put people in handcuffs and take them away.

DHS Statement

DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said dozens of arrests have already been made, though a full list of detainees has not been released. Americans should be able to live without fear of violent criminal illegal aliens, McLaughlin said. In 24 hours, our officers arrested individuals with criminal records including homicide, kidnapping, child abuse, robbery, theft, and assault.

Mayor Michael Glaser's office did not comment on the crackdown but emphasized that it falls under federal jurisdiction and expects all operations to be conducted lawfully and respectfully. The city is not participating in the operation, though local police are among agencies authorized to hold detainees for potential deportation.

Fear Among Residents

Sergio Perez, a Guatemalan immigrant and U.S. citizen living in Kenner since 2010, expressed concern for relatives without legal status who face possible detention or deportation. He also worries that Hispanic residents, regardless of status, could be targeted.

It feels like we arent welcome, Perez said. Its as if you are in someones house and theyre making you feel like you dont belong. Theyre breaking our spirit.

Author: Ethan Caldwell