Protesters Disrupt New Orleans City Council Meeting
On Thursday, around 30 protesters against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) interrupted a New Orleans City Council meeting, leading to their removal by law enforcement.
City Council President JP Morrell decided to cut public comments short after the protesters urged officials to create “ICE-free” zones on public land. The situation escalated as protesters began yelling at council members, prompting their eviction.
Morrell stated, “Okay, at this point I’m suspending public comment on this item,” which drew a strong reaction from the crowd.
Police stepped in, escorting the protesters out as many resisted, resulting in some pushing and shoving. Reports noted that one protester, Tony Jones, was physically restrained.
This protest stemmed from a recent immigration enforcement operation, known as Catahoula Crunch, carried out by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in New Orleans. Over 200 federal agents targeted individuals with criminal records in an effort to address illegal immigration.
As part of the operation, authorities reported the arrest of a Vietnamese national with a history of violent crimes, along with others who faced charges related to sexual assault, domestic violence, and drug possession.
The demonstrators sought to pass a measure that would prevent officials from utilizing city-managed lots for immigration enforcement activities.
Holding signs with messages like “Silence supports deportation” and “Immigrants build and rebuild this city,” the protesters made their position clear.
