Surveillance and Arrests: New Orleans Immigration Crackdown Sparks Community Outcry

Mon Dec 08 2025 07:12:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The ongoing immigration operation in New Orleans, dubbed 'Catahoula Crunch,' has raised concerns among community leaders about transparency and racial profiling, as authorities track public sentiment and protests.

New Orleans is under heightened immigration enforcement with the 'Catahoula Crunch' operation, aiming to arrest illegal immigrants. However, local officials are demanding more transparency about the arrests, which seemingly target individuals without violent criminal backgrounds. Community protests are growing, while state and federal authorities monitor public reactions online, prompting fears over free speech and the impact on local immigrant communities.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — State and federal authorities are closely monitoring online criticism and demonstrations against the immigration crackdown in New Orleans, known as the 'Catahoula Crunch.' Law enforcement agencies review online discussions and track public sentiment around the ongoing arrests.

Despite the operation's aim to target 'criminal illegal aliens,' local leaders have raised concerns regarding the nature of the arrests. Reports suggest that less than a third of the arrested individuals have substantial criminal histories. Community leaders are pushing for greater transparency from officials who remain largely uninformed about the operation's details.

“This isn't just about public safety. It's about instilling fear in communities,” stated state Sen. Royce Duplessis. Critics highlight that the operation disproportionately affects Hispanic neighborhoods, echoing sentiments of racial profiling.

Authorities assert they are simply responding to public concerns, tracking online discussions that include both support and opposition to the crackdown. Activist groups, expressing outrage over the lack of transparency and potential impacts on free speech, have started organizing protests and sharing real-time updates of immigration enforcement actions.

The operation aims to capture around 5,000 immigrants over two months with numerous agencies involved in surveillance and intelligence sharing, yet the community's calls for accountability and details about the arrests continue to grow louder.