Increasedโ Federal Immigration โขEnforcement planned for Newโค Orleans
New Orleans is preparing for a large-scaleโ immigration enforcementโค operation set to begin in January, spearheaded โby the Trump Governance. The operation, dubbed Catahoula Crunch,โ will likely involve a โmulti-agency effort potentially exceeding 250 agents, drawing from organizations including the Border Patrol, FBI, and DEA – mirroring deployments in other cities. The duration โof โคthe operation is currently unknown, though past similar initiatives have lasted several months.
The operation is being โขdirected by Gregory Bovino, a Border Patrol official โwho has faced criticism for aggressive tactics towards migrants and protestors.Recentโ controversy includes an incident in Chicago where Bovino wasโ recorded deploying tear gas against protestors despite a federal court order prohibiting itsโ use.
Aโ local Democrat of Mexican origin has voiced concerns regarding potentialโ “violations of โdue process and possible abuses” based on experiences in otherโค cities where similar operations have taken place. He emphasized theโ importance of informing the community about their โฃlegal protections.
the Trumpโข Administration hasโฃ justified the operation by claiming New Orleans faces a “crime problem.”โ Though, data released by the New Orleans โPolice Department indicates a 20% decrease in reported violent โขcrime incidents between May 2024 and May 2025.
The impending operation raises concerns about the potential impact on New Orleans’ economy, which heavily relies on tourism. The service sector, a significant employer in โขthe city, utilizes a significant migrant workforce. โA resulting labor shortage could be especially damaging as the city approaches peak tourist season, including the Mardi Gras celebrations.
New Orleansโฃ is currently facing a fiscal deficit exceeding $220 million, and is also navigating a political crisis with outgoing mayor LaToya Cantrell facing federal charges, including obstruction of justice and making false statements, โto โwhich she โคhas โpleaded not guilty.
The city’s largely Honduran migrant โcommunity has been preparing for the increased enforcement.โฃ Immigration lawyers and advocacy groups are advisingโ residentsโ to remainโ home, and protests โhave already begun. Some businesses have publicly displayed signs indicating that immigration agents are not welcome on their premises.
