NEW ORLEANS — Newly uncovered data from the Associated Press shows that only nine of the 38 people detained during the first two days of Border Patrol’s recent operation in the New Orleans metro area had criminal histories beyond traffic violations.
The figures appear to conflict with federal authorities’ repeated assurances that the operation would focus on immigrants with the most serious criminal records. The AP reports that internal intelligence bulletins instructed that information about the arrests “shouldn’t be released to the media,” as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has provided only limited details publicly.
Democratic Congressman Troy Carter said he supports removing violent offenders but argued that the lack of transparency surrounding the arrests makes it difficult to determine whether the operation is following its stated mission…