Additional Coverage:
Federal Immigration Crackdown, “Operation Catahoula Crunch,” Kicks Off in New Orleans
New Orleans is now the latest front in the Trump administration’s nationwide immigration enforcement efforts, with over 200 federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) descending on the city for “Operation Catahoula Crunch.” The operation, named after Louisiana’s state dog, targets undocumented immigrants with criminal records, according to DHS.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) commander-at-large Greg Bovino is reportedly leading the operation in New Orleans.
Bovino, in a post on X, announced the operation Wednesday, stating, “We are here arresting criminals who should not be here. The state, local and federal law enforcement partners in Louisiana are excellent partners!!”
This wave of enforcement actions has previously sparked protests and strong opposition from Democratic leaders in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Past crackdowns have also seen violent confrontations between protesters and federal agents, with tear gas deployed to disperse demonstrations.
DHS issued a statement Wednesday, asserting that New Orleans’ “sanctuary policies” have led to the release of immigrants “who continue committing crimes against innocent Americans.” Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin further elaborated, stating, “Sanctuary policies endanger American communities by releasing illegal criminal aliens and forcing DHS law enforcement to risk their lives to remove criminal illegal aliens that should have never been put back on the streets.” McLaughlin emphasized that the operation will target “violent criminals who were released after arrest for home invasions, armed robbery, grand theft auto and rape.”
However, some local leaders in other cities where similar sweeps have occurred have voiced concerns about the tactics employed by masked federal agents. They argue that these actions have instilled fear in communities by apprehending individuals simply for being in the country without authorization.
Rep. Troy Carter Sr., D-La., who represents New Orleans, released a statement Tuesday criticizing the deployment.
“What we are seeing unfold in our community is not public safety; it is a political stunt wrapped in badges, armored vehicles, and military uniforms,” Carter said. “These are militarized forces who are not trained in our local laws, not trained in community-based de-escalation, and do not know our neighborhoods or our people.
That is a recipe for fear, confusion, and dangerous mistakes.”
New Orleans Mayor-elect Helena Moreno, a Democrat who immigrated from Mexico as a child, previously advised immigrants in New Orleans to be aware of their constitutional protections.
In contrast, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a Republican, has expressed support for the federal immigration enforcement in New Orleans. “New Orleans is a place under which we’ve had illegal criminal activity, alien activity,” Landry stated in a recent interview on Fox News.
CBP commander Greg Bovino hinted at “next level” immigration enforcement in a social media post on Saturday, though he did not specify future locations. “Hold on to your hats ladies and gentlemen, immigration enforcement is going next level,” Bovino wrote. “Illegal aliens, utilize the CBP Home app. to self deport — immediately.”
Bovino has faced scrutiny following an incident in October in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, where video footage showed him throwing a tear gas canister at demonstrators without a verbal warning. This action reportedly violated a U.S. district judge’s temporary restraining order limiting the use of force.
U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis admonished Bovino in November, noting his admission to lying about a rock-throwing incident used to justify the tear gas deployment.
She subsequently issued a preliminary injunction restricting the use of force during immigration arrests and protests. The Trump administration appealed this injunction, which was later stayed by the 7th U.S.
Circuit Court of Appeals on November 19.
In a joint statement issued Wednesday, the FBI New Orleans Field Office and the Louisiana State Police announced a collaborative effort to “deter assaults on federal officers and attempts to obstruct law enforcement actions.” Jonathan Tapp, the special agent in charge of the New Orleans Field Office, warned, “We will not tolerate assaults on law enforcement officers in Louisiana and there will be consequences.” Tapp affirmed that FBI agents and State Police will “investigate and arrest anyone assaulting law enforcement officers, unlawfully impeding federal law enforcement activity, or assisting anyone to commit this criminal activity.”