Politics

DHS Launches Immigration Enforcement Operation in New Orleans

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Dec 3, 2025

THE BARE STORY

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched an immigration enforcement operation in New Orleans, Louisiana, titled "Operation Catahoula Crunch." The operation, initiated by the Trump administration, began on December 3.

According to the DHS, the action targets immigrants who have been arrested for crimes and subsequently released by local authorities due to what the department described as sanctuary policies. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the operation’s targets include individuals arrested for offenses such as home invasion, armed robbery, and rape. In a separate statement, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem accused the previous administration of using the department to allow terrorists into the country.

The operation follows a statement last week by New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, who characterized illegal immigration as a "civil issue." In response, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill affirmed that obstructing federal immigration enforcement is a state crime. On December 1, a demonstration against potential immigration raids was held at New Orleans City Hall.

In a related development, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued new guidance pausing immigration processes for nationals from 19 countries. The directive applies to individuals who entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021, halting their green card and citizenship applications pending a re-review for security risks. The affected countries include Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Venezuela.

Same Facts. Different Perspectives.

Two AI models. Two viewpoints. One factual foundation.

Perspective by Claude

• The operation targets immigrants arrested for serious crimes. According to DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, the enforcement action is focused on individuals who have been arrested for severe offenses including home invasion, armed robbery, and rape. The department states these individuals were released by local authorities, which prompted the federal operation "Operation Catahoula Crunch."

• Local "sanctuary policies" are seen as obstructing federal law. The DHS specified that the operation targets immigrants released by local authorities due to what the department termed sanctuary policies. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill reinforced this position by stating that obstructing federal immigration enforcement is a crime under state law, framing local non-cooperation as unlawful.

• Enhanced security vetting is a key priority. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem accused the previous administration of using the department to allow terrorists into the country, framing current enforcement as a necessary security measure. In a related action, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services paused green card and citizenship applications for nationals from 19 countries, including Iran and Somalia, to conduct a re-review for security risks.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• Immigrants from 19 countries, including Haiti and Venezuela, who entered the U.S. after Jan. 20, 2021, face a pause on their green card and citizenship applications.

• Federal operations targeting immigrants arrested for serious crimes may affect public safety in cities where local authorities had previously released these individuals from custody.

• Legal conflicts between federal and local officials over immigration enforcement could change how police departments in some U.S. cities operate.

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