Trump administration initiates immigration enforcement in New Orleans

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began an immigration enforcement operation on Wednesday in New Orleans, marking the latest focus of the Trump administration on a city governed by Democrats. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced on X that federal agents have arrived in the Louisiana city, often referred to as "The Big Easy."

Noem stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers "will remove the most dangerous individuals from New Orleans after the city's sanctuary policies have disregarded federal law."

Local regulations in New Orleans restrict cooperation between city law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. This action by DHS follows President Donald Trumps recent declaration that National Guard troops would be deployed to the city, similar to previous measures in Los Angeles, Washington, and Memphis.

Trump mentioned, "We will be heading to New Orleans soon. The governor requested assistance, and we will respond in the coming weeks." The city has a Democratic mayor, while the state governor is a Republican.

The deployment aims to address crime and reinforce immigration enforcement. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin indicated that the operation would focus on "illegal criminal aliens" accused of serious offenses such as home invasion, armed robbery, grand theft auto, and rape.

McLaughlin added, "Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are working to restore safety and uphold the law for Americans."

While the administration asserts that most undocumented individuals targeted in this crackdown have criminal records or active warrants, a study from the Cato Institute last month found that only 5% of those taken into ICE custody since October 1 had violent convictions, and 73% had no criminal history. DHS disputes these findings, maintaining that 70% of ICE arrests involve criminal illegal aliens charged or convicted in the U.S.

Author: Lucas Grant