US immigration enforcement starts in New Orleans

WASHINGTON, Dec 3 Federal officials initiated a law enforcement campaign on Wednesday targeting individuals residing illegally in New Orleans, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This move continues the Trump administration's nationwide effort to increase immigration enforcement city by city.

Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that the operation focuses on "violent offenders who were previously released following arrests for home invasion, armed robbery, grand theft auto, and sexual assault."

The full extent of the New Orleans operation remains uncertain, although it had been anticipated to continue until the end of the year, with a temporary slowdown during the Christmas period.

President Donald Trump mentioned during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday that the National Guard would be deployed to New Orleans within the coming weeks.

With a population of approximately 384,000, New Orleans becomes the latest city with a Democratic mayor to face intensified federal immigration actions. Earlier this year, authorities increased enforcement operations in cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., prompting criticism for targeting individuals without criminal records.

This New Orleans initiative follows a similar immigration enforcement operation in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Author: Lucas Grant