In a major escalation of immigration enforcement, federal agents began conducting raids across New Orleans on Wednesday as part of the Trump administration’s latest crackdown targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records. The operation, dubbed “Catahoula Crunch,” is expected to continue for at least 60 days, marking one of the most extensive immigration sweeps in the region in recent years.

Masked federal agents, in both marked and unmarked vehicles, patrolled neighborhoods with high Hispanic populations, including the suburb of Kenner, Louisiana. Witnesses described scenes reminiscent of previous raids in other major cities, with arrests occurring in public spaces, including parking lots of Home Depot and Lowe’s stores.

Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, who has previously led operations in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, North Carolina, was on-site in Kenner, coordinating the deployment of more than 200 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. While exact arrest numbers from the first day of the operation remain undisclosed, officials indicated the goal is to apprehend as many individuals as possible during the multi-week sweep.

According to Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, the New Orleans operation is focused on immigrants previously arrested for serious crimes such as armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault, who were released pending legal proceedings. The crackdown is part of a broader federal effort under the Trump administration to deport individuals deemed threats to public safety, an initiative that has sparked national controversy and widespread protests.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a vocal Trump ally, confirmed that the operation targets the “worst of the worst, criminal illegal aliens that have broken the law.” Landry also indicated that National Guard members are expected to support the federal agents in New Orleans before the holiday season to bolster public safety efforts.

The crackdown has sent shockwaves through New Orleans’ immigrant communities, a city historically celebrated for its cultural diversity, jazz heritage, and Mardi Gras traditions. Residents in heavily Hispanic neighborhoods reported seeing federal agents pursuing individuals across streets and surrounding homes, while local business owners in affected areas have temporarily closed their doors, posting signs barring immigration officials from entering.

A Kenner resident, Jody Styles, witnessed an arrest outside a Lowe’s store, stating: “They tried to run across the street but they caught them.” Similarly, at Los Hondureños, a local restaurant, a handwritten note announced closure until further notice, signed simply: “Thank you, The Hondurans.”

Activists and immigrant advocacy groups have criticized the operation, noting a chilling effect on free speech and community engagement. Immigration Services and Legal Advocacy, a New Orleans-based non-profit, has paused workshops designed to educate residents about legal rights during immigration-related encounters, citing concerns about a new state law that expands penalties for interfering with federal immigration enforcement.

The Catahoula Crunch operation is part of a nationwide pattern of immigration enforcement sweeps initiated by the Trump administration, with prior operations conducted in Chicago, Los Angeles, Charlotte, and other cities. Similar operations are planned in Minnesota, targeting Somali immigrants, as part of the administration’s focus on enforcing national security and public safety measures.

Federal planning documents obtained by the Associated Press suggest that the operation in Louisiana—also referred to internally as “Swamp Sweep”—could extend into neighboring Mississippi. Authorities anticipate arresting up to 5,000 individuals during the months-long effort, highlighting the scale and intensity of the enforcement strategy.

The Trump administration has also paused all immigration applications from 19 non-European countries, citing national security concerns. This includes green card processing and U.S. citizenship applications, affecting thousands of families and adding to growing fear within immigrant communities.

Tensions between federal and local authorities are palpable. New Orleans’ City Council recently launched an online portal for residents to report alleged abuse by federal officers, while local law enforcement has emphasized that immigration enforcement is primarily a civil matter outside their jurisdiction.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has accused New Orleans of undermining federal immigration enforcement, citing the city’s sanctuary policies. However, local officials, including Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, maintain that their policies do not obstruct federal operations. These divisions underscore the broader political and legal battles surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States.

As Catahoula Crunch continues, immigrant communities, advocacy groups, and local officials are bracing for further disruption. Businesses remain closed in targeted neighborhoods, protests continue, and legal challenges are mounting against both federal and state authorities.

For residents and families in New Orleans, the operation is more than a headline—it is a daily reality that affects livelihoods, safety, and the very fabric of the city’s unique cultural identity. With weeks of enforcement still ahead, the true impact of this crackdown will unfold in the coming months, shaping the future of immigration policy and community relations in Louisiana.