New Deportation Operations Launched in New Orleans
The Trump administration is ramping up deportation efforts in several cities, focusing on the South. Recently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new operation in New Orleans, which has been labeled a sanctuary city.
On Wednesday, DHS confirmed via a press release that deportation funding is significantly increasing in New Orleans, Louisiana.
A statement from DHS pointed out, “It is unwise that these individuals are being released into the streets of New Orleans, potentially committing more crimes and creating new victims.”
This initiative, referred to as Operation Catahoula Crunch, is directed at criminal undocumented immigrants who are, according to DHS, allowed to “move freely due to local sanctuary policies that compel local authorities to overlook U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detentions.”
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin remarked, “It is foolish to allow these dangerous individuals back onto the streets of New Orleans to re-offend and create more victims. Operation Catahoula Crunch includes those involved in serious crimes like home invasions, armed robberies, grand theft autos, and even rapes. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are working to restore law and order for the American populace.”
The release also showcased images of some of the most wanted criminals targeted in this operation, hailing from various countries including Honduras, Vietnam, Jordan, Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem indicated that the operation formally began on Wednesday morning, asserting, “The men and women of DHS law enforcement are now on the ground in New Orleans. Operation Catahoula Crunch will extract the most heinous offenders from our streets while the city’s politicians disregard the rule of law.”
She further emphasized, “Law and order is our top priority.”
Gregory Bovino, a commander with Border Patrol who has been involved in high-profile deportation operations, noted that this new initiative is off to a promising start. “We are arresting criminals here who should not be present. Our collaborations with state, local, and federal law enforcement in Louisiana are excellent,” he said.
