Immigration operations initiated by Federal agents in New Orleans and Minneapolis

Federal immigration enforcement operations commenced in New Orleans and Minneapolis on Wednesday, following President Donald Trumps announcement that National Guard troops would be deployed to Louisiana.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the New Orleans operation is focused on criminal aliens who remain at large due to sanctuary policies preventing local authorities from honoring ICE detainers, which are requests to hold individuals arrested by local law enforcement for federal immigration authorities.

As of Wednesday morning, Trump had not disclosed the number of National Guard troops to be sent. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin indicated that the New Orleans targets include individuals previously arrested for home invasion, armed robbery, grand theft auto, and sexual assault.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a Republican, expressed support for the federal intervention in the Democratic-led city. He noted that New Orleans has seen significant crime reductions and is on track to record its lowest homicide rate in nearly five decades, according to local police statistics.

Following the DHS statement, the FBI in New Orleans announced that federal and state law enforcement would coordinate efforts to prevent assaults on officers and interference with federal immigration actions in the city.

Meanwhile, federal immigration activities also began in Minneapolis, according to a senior law enforcement official. The operation aligns with prior reports of a planned crackdown in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region, home to a significant Somali immigrant community.

Officials clarified that ICE is not specifically targeting Somali immigrants or their families, though some individuals may be arrested if suspected of violating immigration laws.

On Tuesday, President Trump criticized Minnesotas Somali population, asserting they should leave the United States and making disparaging remarks about Representative Ilhan Omar. The administration has also suspended immigration applications from 19 countries, including Somalia.

Author: Jackson Miller