Operation Targets Immigrants with Alleged Criminal Records
Federal authorities have begun a major enforcement action in New Orleans, Louisiana under the operation name Operation Catahoula Crunch. The mission — led primarily by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Border Patrol — deploys roughly 250 agents with the objective of arresting up to 5,000 individuals considered to be undocumented immigrants. Officials claim the sweep focuses on those who allegedly committed serious offences such as armed robbery, home invasion, grand theft auto, and rape.
Authorities have justified the crackdown by citing local “sanctuary city” policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, alleging these policies have allowed dangerous individuals to walk free.
Raids, Community Fear and Business Shutdowns
Early raids were reported around hardware stores and home-improvement chains in areas with large Latino populations. Agents have used both marked and unmarked vehicles, and detentions were witnessed at parking lots of stores including major national chains — a pattern seen in previous nationwide sweeps.
The operation has triggered widespread anxiety among immigrants and local residents. Several small businesses — especially restaurants and food-trucks — temporarily closed doors. Some employers asked workers to stay home, while others posted signs refusing entry to federal agents.
Local activists and lawyers have started outreach campaigns, advising residents on their rights if approached by agents. Residents have also been encouraged to document encounters with law enforcement
Officials, Critics and Rising Tensions
Supporters of the crackdown — including state leadership — argue it is necessary to rid communities of undocumented immigrants with criminal histories and enhance public safety.
Meanwhile, city-level leaders and immigrant rights groups warn the sweep could lead to widespread civil-rights violations and racial profiling. The incoming city leadership has expressed concerns that the campaign appears to target broad immigrant populations rather than exclusively violent offender.
Given the city’s history as a tourist hub and the fact that criminal violence in New Orleans has been trending downward, many locals are worried about the social and economic fallout — with some fearing the crackdown will damage community trust and business stability.
