DHS launches immigration crackdown 'Operation Catahoula Crunch' in New Orleans

New Orleans is the most recent U.S. city in which federal immigration agents have increased their numbers and efforts to arrest and detain people who are in the country illegally.

By Natalia Mittelstadt

Published: December 3, 2025 12:13pm

Updated: December 3, 2025 12:22pm

The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday launched "Operation Catahoula Crunch" in New Orleans, an immigration crackdown to arrest illegal immigrants.

DHS says the effort focuses on illegal migrants who were sent to jail, then released without federal immigration officials being notified of the arrests, as part of so-called "sanctuary city" policies. The agency listed 10 illegal immigrants that it says were released from jail by local police.

“Sanctuary policies endanger American communities by releasing illegal criminal aliens and forcing DHS law enforcement to risk their lives to remove criminal illegal aliens that should have never been put back on the streets,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.

“It is asinine that these monsters were released back onto New Orleans streets to COMMIT MORE CRIMES and create more victims. Catahoula Crunch targets include violent criminals who were released after arrest for home invasion, armed robbery, grand theft auto, and rape. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are restoring law and order for the American people.”

As ICE ramps up operations, hundreds of Border Patrol agents are expected in New Orleans, WWLTV reported.

Several dozen activists marched from Lafayette Square to City Hall on Monday night, which was the first day of the "Swamp Sweep" operation, which is part of a broader, months-long crackdown in the region.