Federal immigration agents detained dozens of people across the New Orleans area this week as the Trump administration’s latest enforcement operation, known as Operation Catahoula Crunch, entered its second day.
The detentions sparked widespread fear among immigrant families and triggered protests across the city. The Guardian reported that arrests took place in parking lots, at bus stops and outside major retail stores, including Home Depot and Lowe’s, citing local advocates.
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US citizens among those stopped, advocates claim
Rachel Taber of Unión Migrante told The Guardian that she documented several detentions, including an incident in a Lowe’s parking lot where masked Border Patrol agents questioned and handcuffed a man who repeatedly said, “I’m a US citizen.” Taber said she knew of at least three cases in which US citizens were detained and later released after proving their status.
CNN reported a separate case involving a 22-year-old US-born mother who said federal agents chased her home from a grocery store. She told the channel she repeatedly yelled, “I’m legal! I’m a U.S.-born citizen!” as officers tried to stop her.
Advocates allege racial profiling and “psychological warfare”
Taber told The Guardian that agents were “not picking up criminals” but instead detaining “moms and dads coming home from work.” She described the operation as “psychological warfare” and alleged that people were being targeted “because of the color of their skin.”
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said that “dozens” of people had been detained as part of the operation, highlighting six cases. The Guardian noted that in one of the examples provided by DHS, the only conviction listed was for vehicle theft and forging documents.
City Council meeting erupts in protest
The enforcement action prompted immediate backlash from residents and rights groups. Axios reported that a New Orleans City Council meeting was disrupted for nearly 30 minutes as protesters demanded stronger protections for immigrant communities. Demonstrators held signs reading “silence supports deportation” and “immigrants built and rebuilt this city.” Police removed protesters after Council President JP Morrell suspended public comment.
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Advocates told The Guardian that the raids have already reshaped daily life across the metro area. Businesses have seen fewer customers, and some residents are staying indoors to avoid encounters with federal agents. Taber said families have been forced to reconsider work, school, travel and even paying rent, adding that “there are kids this Christmas who are not just going to be without presents — they’re going to be without parents.”
The Associated Press reported that the long-term scope of the operation could involve thousands of arrests, though local officials and civil-rights groups have urged federal authorities to ensure transparency and prevent wrongful detentions.
