New Orleans Operation Targets Criminal Noncitizens

Federal authorities launched an immigration enforcement operation in New Orleans on Wednesday, targeting noncitizens previously arrested for violent crimes and released into the community. The effort, part of a broader series of actions by the Trump administration, focuses on individuals accused of offenses including home invasion, armed robbery, assault, grand theft auto, aggravated assault, burglary, child endangerment and sexual battery.

Homeland Security Department Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the operation, named Operation Catahoula Crunch, as an expansion of similar sweeps conducted in Los Angeles, Chicago and Charlotte, North Carolina. "The aim of the operation is to capture immigrants who were released after their arrests for crimes such as home invasion, armed robbery and assault," McLaughlin said in a statement. Officials did not disclose the number of agents involved or provide details on the operation's expected duration.

The initiative comes amid preparations in Louisiana, where state officials have anticipated federal involvement for several weeks. Republican Governor Jeff Landry, a supporter of the administration's immigration policies, has...