The United States Department of Homeland Security initiated a major immigration enforcement operation in New Orleans on December 3, 2025, deploying over 200 federal agents to target undocumented individuals with criminal records. Dubbed "Operation Catahoula Crunch" by some sources, the initiative focuses on apprehending those involved in serious offenses such as home invasions, armed robberies, and sexual assaults. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the arrival of agents in the city, emphasizing their mission to remove the "worst of the worst" amid local sanctuary policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Federal officials, including Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel, have been instructed to prioritize violent offenders while conducting sweeps across the city. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the operation aligns with President Donald Trump's directive to restore law and order, claiming that the majority of targeted individuals possess criminal convictions. The administration asserts this effort will enhance public safety in areas plagued by crime, with agents expected to remain in New Orleans until the objectives are met.

President Trump has indicated plans to bolster the operation by deploying National Guard troops to New Orleans in the coming weeks, following a request from Louisiana's Republican governor. This move mirrors similar deployments in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Memphis, aimed at supporting immigration enforcement and combating urban crime. However, critics, including mayors from affected cities, argue that such military involvement is unnecessary and could exacerbate tensions.

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Local leaders in New Orleans, including Democratic Mayor-elect Helena Moreno, have voiced concerns over the tactics employed in similar operations elsewhere, citing reports of agents targeting individuals based on ethnicity and potentially violating due process rights. Moreno highlighted issues with masked agents lacking clear identification, which could pose safety risks. Community responses have included business closures and protest signs declaring "ICE not welcome here," reflecting widespread apprehension.

A recent study by the Cato Institute challenges the administration's claims, revealing that only five percent of those detained by ICE since October 2025 had violent convictions, while 73 percent had no criminal history. As the operation unfolds, it underscores the ongoing divide between federal immigration priorities and local sanctuary jurisdictions, with potential implications for broader national policy under the Trump administration.

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