Federal Agents Launch 5,000-Arrest Immigration Operation in New Orleans

Federal immigration agents launched a two-month crackdown in New Orleans on Wednesday, targeting undocumented immigrants with a goal of 5,000 arrests focused on those with violent criminal histories. The operation, named Catahoula Crunch, involves several hundred personnel from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, covering southeast Louisiana and extending into Mississippi.

Officials from the Department of Homeland Security described the effort as aimed at individuals previously released after arrests for serious crimes. In a statement Thursday, spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said agents had apprehended people with records including homicide, kidnapping, child abuse, robbery, theft and assault within the first 24 hours. She added that the operation would proceed regardless of whether it reaches the 5,000-arrest target or exceeds it. However, federal officials have not disclosed the exact number of arrests made so far.

The initiative has drawn sharp criticism from local leaders, who question its feasibility and scope. New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell stated Thursday that there is no basis for expecting 5,000 arrests of violent...