The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed significant resource allocation towards increased deportations within New Orleans, Louisiana, following President Trump’s directive urging local authorities to prioritize immigration enforcement over sanctuary policies.
Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin offered a stark assessment: “It is asinine that these monsters were released back onto New Orleans streets… to COMMIT MORE CRIMES and create more victims.” Operation Catahoula Crunch targets individuals deemed among the worst illegal aliens, specifically violent criminals such as those involved in home invasion, armed robbery, grand theft auto, and rape who have allegedly been allowed freedom despite being under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody due to sanctuary policies.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem echoed McLaughlin’s sentiments during Wednesday’s announcement: “The men and women of DHS law enforcement have landed in The Big Easy… Operation Catahoula Crunch will remove the worst of the worst from New Orleans…” Noem emphasized that the operation represents a restoration of “law and order,” adding, “LAW AND ORDER WILL PREVAIL.”
Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino confirmed the initiative’s start: “We are here arresting criminals who should not be here… excellent law enforcement partners in Louisiana.” The DHS press release included mugshots of targeted individuals described as among the “worst” criminal aliens within U.S. custody, hailing from Honduras, Vietnam, Jordan, Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
The operation underscores a broader administration stance targeting sanctuary policies, with McLaughino calling them fundamentally flawed in enabling further criminal activity on American soil.
