Prepare for an upcoming immigration crackdown led by Border Patrol in southeast Louisiana. Here's what you need to know.

NEW ORLEANS Approximately 250 federal border officers are set to initiate an extensive immigration enforcement campaign on Monday in southeast Louisiana and parts of Mississippi, a mission dubbed Swamp Sweep. The effort, aiming to detain around 5,000 individuals, is concentrated in New Orleans, a Democratic-led city, marking another high-profile federal immigration action under President Donald Trump's administration.

Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, known for directing aggressive operations in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, North Carolina, is expected to oversee the campaign. Since news of the operation broke earlier this month, many residents, particularly within Latino communities, have expressed anxiety, although Republican Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has voiced support for the federal agents presence.

Controversial Tactics in Urban Areas

Bovino has been a central figure in the Trump administrations major immigration crackdowns. In previous operations in Chicago, federal officers rappelled from helicopters into residential complexes and deployed pepper balls and tear gas against demonstrators. In recent months, over 3,200 immigrants were detained in the Chicago region, though only a small number had criminal records or posed significant public safety risks.

Border Patrols urban enforcement strategies, often involving heavy-handed tactics, have led to multiple lawsuits. In Chicago, a federal judge recently accused Bovino of providing false testimony and criticized the use of chemical irritants against protesters. Despite these criticisms, Bovino defended his agency's actions, stating on social media that the operations find and arrest illegal aliens, making these communities safer for the Americans who live there.

Louisianas Legal Context

New Orleans has been labeled a sanctuary city by the Department of Justice for allegedly obstructing federal immigration enforcement. Its jail system, under federal supervision, rarely cooperates with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the police department treats immigration matters as civil issues outside its authority.

Nevertheless, Louisianas Republican-controlled Legislature has enacted laws requiring local agencies to comply with federal immigration policies. These laws make it a criminal offense to interfere with federal enforcement efforts, punishable by fines or up to one year in jail. Additional statutes increase penalties for government officials who refuse to follow federal directives and mandate reporting to ICE before releasing individuals who are in the country illegally.

Community Preparations and Impact

Immigration lawyers in New Orleans report a surge in inquiries from residents seeking guidance ahead of the operation. Attorney Miguel Elias compares the communitys preparations to hurricane readiness, with families securing supplies, arranging childcare, and minimizing outdoor activity. Local businesses have posted signs barring federal agents, and advocacy groups are offering training on civil rights and documentation of enforcement actions.

Although New Orleans is culturally diverse, only 6.7% of its population is foreign-born, rising to nearly 10% in surrounding areas, below the national average of 14.3%. The Hispanic population, which increased during post-Katrina rebuilding, now constitutes roughly 14% of the citys residents. Statewide, about 2.4% of Louisianas population are undocumented immigrants, mostly from Honduras.

Local business owner Amanda Toups expressed concern over potential economic consequences, noting that fear of enforcement could deter tourism, which is vital to both the city and the wider state economy. If youre scaring off even 5% of tourism, thats devastating, she said, highlighting the chilling effect on both visitors and residents.

Author: Sophia Brooks