Federal agents getting ready to start immigration crackdown in New Orleans

Federal officials are preparing to launch an immigration enforcement operation in New Orleans on Wednesday, marking the latest city targeted under the Trump administrations broad campaign against immigrant populations. Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, stated that the initiative, dubbed Operation Catahoula Crunch, aims to apprehend immigrants previously released after arrests for crimes such as home invasion, armed robbery, grand theft auto, and sexual assault.

It is outrageous that individuals accused of serious crimes were returned to New Orleans streets only to commit further offenses and victimize others, McLaughlin said. The operation is expected to focus on approximately 5,000 arrests, though its duration remains uncertain.

Residents of the Democrat-led city have been preparing for weeks for the arrival of federal agents. Rumors of a Department of Homeland Security-led operation, originally called Swamp Sweep, circulated widely. Community groups have been advising locals to remain indoors when possible, informing them of their rights when approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, and teaching legal ways to record interactions.

Some businesses have instructed staff to work remotely or reported absences due to fear. Certain establishments have posted signs refusing ICE entry or distributed whistles to patrons. Several businesses, particularly in Kennera suburb with Louisianas largest Hispanic populationhave closed since December 1. Local law enforcement in Kenner and Gretna have participated in the enforcement efforts, resulting in four detentions last week. During one incident, agents demanded a 25-foot buffer zone from someone filming, citing a law previously struck down as unconstitutional.

Taqueria Guerrero in Mid-City announced on social media its decision to close indefinitely, citing the safety and peace of mind of its staff and customers as the priority. We cannot operate in a way that puts anyone at risk or increases fear in our community, the post read.

Mayor-elect Helena Moreno expressed concern over racial profiling and the fear spreading among residents. What people are witnessing appears to target individuals based on appearance rather than focusing solely on violent criminals, Moreno said, noting the personal impact given her family background. She has urged residents to understand their legal rights and encouraged lawyers to volunteer to assist the community.

Protesters gathered downtown in the rain and cold, chanting messages of solidarity with immigrants. Past federal operations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Charlotte led by border patrol have faced criticism for aggressive tactics and targeting mainly individuals without criminal records. During Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago, agents reportedly used teargas and pepper balls against protesters and journalists, and viral videos showed detentions of U.S. citizens.

Despite the administrations claim of focusing on the worst of the worst, prior operations have predominantly detained immigrants with no criminal history. In Charlotte, under Operation Charlottes Web, less than 12% of those arrested had criminal records. In Chicago, over 97% of detainees during Midway Blitz had no convictions. Data indicates that immigrants without criminal records are now the largest group in U.S. immigration detention. Research also consistently shows that immigrants, including undocumented individuals, are less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born residents.

Although New Orleans has seen historic lows in violent crime, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, an ally of Trump, welcomed federal involvement, stating his hope that dangerous criminal immigrants would be removed from city streets. The New Orleans Police Department has declined to participate in immigration enforcement, citing civil rather than criminal jurisdiction. However, the FBIs New Orleans field office and Louisiana State Police announced a joint effort aimed at preventing assaults on federal officers and obstructing law enforcement actions.

Author: Maya Henderson