FBI and Louisiana State Police have initiated a collaborative effort to safeguard federal immigration agents during a major enforcement operation in New Orleans. This joint initiative, revealed on Wednesday, aims to address an increase in attacks directed at Border Patrol and ICE agents. Officials have cautioned that any disruptions will be met with immediate and serious repercussions.
Jonathan Tapp, the FBI Special Agent in Charge of the New Orleans Field Office, stated firmly that any actions to obstruct or assault immigration officials in the city will face serious ramifications. During a press conference on Wednesday, Tapp highlighted the new collaboration with Louisiana State Police, asserting, “We will not accept assaults against law enforcement in Louisiana, and there will be serious consequences. We will actively be on the streets alongside the Louisiana State Police and other federal agencies to investigate and apprehend individuals who attack officers or interfere unlawfully with federal operations.”
The team, comprised of FBI agents and Louisiana State Police, will oversee the heightened immigration enforcement under the operation dubbed “Catahoula Crunch,” which the Department of Homeland Security launched on Wednesday. Louisiana State Police Superintendent, Col. Robert Hodges, emphasized that the department aims to enforce state laws that protect people and property, while also aligning with federal efforts to ensure the safety of immigration agents in the greater New Orleans area.
Hodges remarked about the initiative, saying, “Louisiana State Police will coordinate closely with local, state, and federal public safety agencies to provide operational backing during immigration enforcement efforts. Our troopers will wear uniforms and use marked vehicles to maintain a visible and organized presence.”
He assured that immediate actions would be taken against state law violations, specifically regarding assaults on law enforcement and incidents of criminal property damage.
According to federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. Section 111, it is illegal to forcibly assault, resist, or obstruct federal employees while they are on duty. Depending on the details of the assault, charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies. Convictions can result in fines and prison sentences that could extend from a year to over 20 years for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The FBI stated that cases resulting from this partnership would be forwarded to the district attorney’s office or, in instances of state law violations, to the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. For federal violations, the applicable U.S. attorney’s office would take on the investigation and potential prosecution.
Operation Catahoula Crunch commenced on Wednesday in New Orleans. As per DHS, this intensified operation targets criminal illegal aliens who have been released on the streets due to sanctuary policies in some regions of the state. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin indicated that the operation’s focus is on illegal aliens presenting threats to public safety. “The targets of Catahoula Crunch include violent offenders released following arrests for home invasion, armed robbery, grand theft auto, and rape. Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are working to restore law and order for the American populace,” she added.
