New Immigration Operation Launched in New Orleans
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has initiated a new operation in New Orleans, focusing on apprehending what it terms “criminal illegal aliens.”
This initiative, named Operation Catahoula Crunch, is specifically targeting undocumented immigrants who have been arrested for various crimes but were released due to local sanctuary policies. The DHS claims these policies have compelled local law enforcement to overlook individuals that should be held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “Sanctuary policies jeopardize American communities by allowing criminal illegal aliens back into society, forcing our law enforcement officers to risk their lives to apprehend them.”
McLaughlin described the situation in New Orleans as troubling, emphasizing that allowing certain individuals, referred to as “monsters,” back into the streets is irresponsible. The operation aims to target violent offenders released after arrests for serious crimes such as home invasion and robbery. “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, we’re committed to restoring order and safety for the American public,” she continued.
Interestingly, there has been a spike in assaults against police during this period, and DHS claims to have caught several individuals involved in severe offenses, including child sexual abuse.
The DHS also pointed to various undocumented immigrants released from custody despite having criminal backgrounds. For instance, some had faced charges for aggravated assault and domestic violence.
Adding to the controversy, New Orleans Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick recently stated that illegal immigration should be treated as a “civil matter” and that her department does not enforce certain immigration laws. She noted, “Our primary goal is ensuring community safety, not enforcing civil immigration statutes.”
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill responded, emphasizing that preventing ICE from carrying out its duties is a violation of state law.
This ongoing crackdown aligns with the firm immigration stance of the Trump administration. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has criticized the Biden administration, claiming it has enabled an unchecked influx of dangerous individuals into the country.
DHS has also announced that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidelines, imposing entry restrictions for 19 countries, which includes certain travel bans. The affected nations consist of Afghanistan, Iran, and Venezuela, among others.
The entry suspension is immediate and encompasses nationals of these countries who arrived in the U.S. post-January 20, 2021. Individuals from these nations applying for green cards or citizenship will undergo thorough scrutiny and interviews to assess any possible risks to public safety.
As a result of these new measures, anyone from the restricted countries who has previously passed the citizenship test will not be able to complete the citizenship process until the guidelines change.
