WASHINGTON D.C.—The Trump administration is signaling a major escalation in immigration policy and is stirring controversy with a high-profile political pardon, according to developments reported today.
Travel Ban Expansion and ‘Operation Catahoula Crunch’
In a significant move that could dramatically reshape global travel to the US, the administration is reportedly weighing an expanded travel ban that could include nationals from up to 32 countries. This proposed expansion follows the recent shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., allegedly by an Afghan national who had previously been granted asylum.
The announcement comes as the administration has already halted all new immigration applications from the 19 countries currently under travel restrictions.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is simultaneously implementing a sweeping immigration operation in New Orleans, Louisiana, dubbed “Operation Catahoula Crunch.” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem declared on social media that the operation is intended to “remove the worst of the worst” from the city, stating that “LAW AND ORDER WILL PREVAIL.”
Secretary Noem has been a vocal proponent of aggressive measures, having previously recommended the president implement “a full travel ban on every damn country that’s been flooding our nation with killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies.”
Controversial Pardon of Democratic Congressman
Adding to the day’s political drama, President Donald Trump granted full pardons to Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar (Texas) and his wife, Imelda, absolving them of bribery and conspiracy charges.
The couple had been indicted last year for allegedly accepting bribes to advance the interests of Azerbaijan. Rep. Cuellar, in response, issued a statement thanking President Trump for his “tremendous leadership” and for clearing the way for him to move forward.
Trump, commenting on the decision via social media, claimed the Department of Justice “went after the Congressman, and even the Congressman’s wonderful wife, Imelda, simply for speaking the TRUTH.” Critics, however, have suggested the pardon is an attempt to sow political discord and undermine the integrity of the Justice Department’s investigation.
