Trump administration starts enforcing immigration laws in New Orleans

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially revealed on Wednesday a new immigration enforcement initiative in New Orleans, marking the latest Democratic-led city to experience an increase in Border Patrol activity as part of President Trump's mass deportation agenda.

The operation, named "Catahoula Crunch", had previously been reported by media outlets in mid-November. At that time, Border Patrol plans included sending around 200 agents to New Orleans to target individuals suspected of being in the country illegally. Internal documents indicated that officials requested armored vehicles for the deployment.

DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin explained that New Orleans was chosen due to local policies that restrict cooperation between city law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. "Catahoula Crunch targets include violent offenders who were released after arrests for home invasion, armed robbery, grand theft auto, and rape," she said. "We are committed to restoring law and order under President Trump and Secretary Noem."

The operation may utilize Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans as a staging site, pending approval from the Department of Defense. Concurrently, the FBI's New Orleans field office is collaborating with the Louisiana State Police to protect federal agents and prevent interference with law enforcement actions.

Earlier this week, President Trump announced plans to deploy National Guard troops to the city for a separate anti-crime effort in the coming weeks. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a Republican, expressed support, emphasizing the need to address violent crime.

This crackdown represents the most recent Trump administration initiative targeting immigration in a Democratic-controlled city. Previous operations have sent Border Patrol agents to locations far from the U.S. border, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Border Patrol, under controversial commander Gregory Bovino, has faced criticism for aggressive tactics, including arrests during protests and heavy-handed actions in public spaces. A federal judge in Chicago previously ruled that the agency's use of force had been excessive. Supporters, however, defend Bovino as a firm enforcer of the administrations deportation policies, citing the need to address violent incidents.

The operations have drawn attention for their targets. In cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Charlotte, agents have been seen arresting workers during patrols in public areas. Although officials claim the focus is on immigrants with serious criminal records, reporting indicates that in Charlotte, fewer than one-third of those arrested were classified as criminals.

Author: Ava Mitchell