A large-scale federal immigration operation in the New Orleans area has entered its second day, resulting in dozens of detentions and sparking widespread fear, community protests, and serious allegations of racial profiling. The raids, part of "Operation Catahoula Crunch," have seen armed agents apprehending people in public spaces, leading to a climate of terror within immigrant communities.
US Citizens Caught in the Dragnet
Advocates report that the operation's net has ensnared even American citizens. Rachel Taber of Unión Migrante shared a video with The Guardian showing masked border patrol agents handcuffing a man in a Lowe's parking lot. When asked his birthplace, the man asserted, "I'm a US citizen." The agent repeated the question in English and Spanish before proceeding with the detention. Taber stated she knew of at least three instances where US citizens were detained and later released after proving their status.
In a separate incident reported by CNN, a 22-year-old US-born mother described being chased to her home by federal agents after a grocery store trip. "I kept yelling at them, 'I'm legal! I'm a US-born citizen! Please, leave me alone!'" she recounted. These cases have fueled accusations that the operation is based on appearance rather than criminal history.
Community in Hiding, Leaders Condemn 'Siege'
The raids have sent shockwaves through New Orleans. Immigrant families are hiding in their homes, too afraid to go to work or school. Activists have organized emergency carpools for children whose parents are terrified to leave the house. Rachel Taber criticized the tactics, stating agents were "not picking up criminals" but rather "moms and dads coming home from work." She labeled the detentions as "psychological warfare" and alleged the action was "just straight racial profiling."
The impact is economic as well, with local businesses reporting a drop in customers. Taber likened the atmosphere to a "siege," forcing families into impossible choices between safety and daily necessities like earning rent. "There are kids this Christmas who are not just going to be without presents, they're going to be without parents," she warned.
Official Response and Growing Backlash
While the Department of Homeland Security confirmed only that "dozens" were detained and highlighted six specific cases, the Trump administration defended the operation, maintaining it targets "the worst of the worst." However, public records from one highlighted case showed the sole conviction was for vehicle theft and forging documents.
Local backlash is intensifying. A New Orleans City Council meeting was disrupted for nearly 30 minutes by protesters demanding stronger protections for immigrants. They held signs reading "silence supports deportation" and "immigrants built and rebuilt this city," urging officials to create ICE-free zones on city property. Tensions flared when the council president suspended public comments, leading to chants of "let the people speak" before police removed protesters. The operation continues to unfold, leaving a community gripped by uncertainty and fear.
