FBI agents and Louisiana State Police have launched a joint effort to safeguard federal immigration officers during enhanced enforcement operations in New Orleans. The partnership, announced Wednesday, aims to deter a surge in assaults on Border Patrol and ICE agents, with officials warning that any interference will bring swift and severe consequences.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the New Orleans Field Office made it very clear that any attempts to impede or assault immigration agents conducting operations in the Big Easy would be met with serious consequences. On Wednesday, Tapp commented on the newly formed partnership with the Louisiana State Police, saying, “We will not tolerate assaults on law enforcement officers in Louisiana, and there will be consequences. We will be on the streets and partnered with the Louisiana State Police and additional federal law enforcement to investigate and arrest anyone assaulting law enforcement officers, unlawfully impeding federal law enforcement activity, or assisting anyone to commit this criminal activity.”
The team, comprised of Louisiana State Police and FBI agents, will shadow enhanced immigration operations conducted under “Catahoula Crunch,” which was launched by the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday. According to Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges, his agency will enforce state laws designed to protect people and property, complementing federal law enforcement efforts to safeguard immigration agents operating in the greater New Orleans area…