DHS Arrests dozens in New Orleans as ‘Operation Catahoula โฃCrunch’ Targets Criminal Illegal Immigrants
NEW ORLEANS โ- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrestedโข dozensโข of individuals in New Orleans as part of “Operation Catahoula Crunch,” โa targeted enforcement operation focused onโค removing โillegal immigrants with criminal records.The operation, which began this week, has resulted in the apprehension of individuals wanted on immigration warrants and thoseโ withโฃ prior criminal arrests, according to the โDepartment of Homeland security (DHS).
DHS officials say theโฃ operation underscores โthe agency’s commitment to prioritizing โpublicโค safety and enforcing immigration laws. The arrests come amid ongoing debate over sanctuary โcity policies and their impact on communities. ICE has repeatedly stated that such โฃpolicies hinder their ability to โฃremove individuals who โฃpose a threat to public safety.
Among those arrested are Luisโ Fernando Maldonado-Velasquez of โGuatemala, who had an existing immigration warrant and a prior arrest record for suspectedโ vehicle theft and โฃforging/altering documents, and Freddy Caldero-Caraballoโ of the Dominican republic, who was previously arrested for suspected possession of cocaine, public intoxication, and driving while intoxicated.
“Presidentโข Trump and Secretary Noem will โฃstand upโ to protect American families when sanctuary politicians won’t,” said DHS spokesperson, echoing โprevious criticisms of sanctuary policies.โค “If you see a law enforcement officer today, thank them. Sanctuary policies endanger American communities by releasing illegal criminal aliens and forcing DHS law enforcement to risk their lives to remove criminal illegal aliens that should have never โคbeen put backโ on the streets.”
DHS confirmed that Operation Catahoulaโฃ Crunch is ongoing and further details will be released as โthe operation progresses. Fox News Digital has reached out to DHS for additional facts.
