New Orleans residents in fear as immigration crackdown descends on their city

December 5, 2025

The Trump administration has launched "Operation Catahoula Crunch" in New Orleans and surrounding areas, marking the fourth major city targeted in an aggressive immigration enforcement campaign aimed at deporting undocumented migrants. The operation has created widespread fear in Latino communities, with families staying home from work and some even sleeping in their businesses to avoid detention, while Border Patrol agents conduct raids that have included dramatic rooftop standoffs with workers. Although officials claim to be targeting criminals among the undocumented population and aim for 5,000 arrests, local officials dispute these numbers and leaked data from previous operations show most arrested had no criminal records.

Who is affected

Undocumented Latino migrants in New Orleans and Kenner, Louisiana
Two laborers who were detained after a rooftop standoff
Abigail and her family (Sandra and Cesar), Mexican restaurant owners who now sleep in their business
Abigail's 10-year-old son, a U.S.-born citizen
An estimated 13% of New Orleans's one million-strong Hispanic population
Dozens of people arrested who had been arrested or convicted of various crimes (according to DHS)
The broader Latino community in Kenner described as being "in lockdown"
New Orleans residents and local businesses dependent on immigrant labor

What action is being taken

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents are conducting immigration enforcement operations in New Orleans and surrounding areas
Border Patrol agents are arresting undocumented migrants, including those on rooftops
Armed and masked enforcement agents are patrolling neighborhoods on foot and in vehicles
Rounded-up migrants are being detained, with potential detention at Angola (Louisiana State Penitentiary)
The Latino community is staying home from work and limiting business operations out of fear
Neighbors, activists, and local press crews are gathering to document and witness the raids
Abigail's restaurant is operating mostly through deliveries and the family is sleeping there

Why it matters

This operation represents a significant escalation in Trump's campaign promise to conduct the largest mass deportation of undocumented migrants in U.S. history, fundamentally affecting communities where immigrants have become integral to the social and economic fabric. The aggressive tactics are creating widespread fear that extends beyond criminal targets to working families and business owners, disrupting daily life and economic activity in affected communities. The operation highlights deep political divisions between federal, state, and local governments on immigration enforcement, with potential constitutional questions about warrants and due process. The declining approval ratings, even among Trump's Republican base, suggest the harsh reality of mass deportations may be shifting public opinion on immigration policy, making this a critical test of how far Americans will support aggressive enforcement measures.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC