The Trump administration is reportedly deploying at least 200 Border Patrol agents to New Orleans in the coming weeks, marking the latest escalation in its federal immigration enforcement agenda.
According to sources speaking to ABC News, The Big Easy appears to be the next target following similar operations in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Charlotte. While the exact timeline remains unclear, speculation about the Louisiana deployment has been circulating for weeks.
Operation Swamp Sweep Details
The Associated Press revealed last week that the Department of Homeland Security is planning Operation "Swamp Sweep," an immigration crackdown aiming to arrest approximately 5,000 people across southeast Louisiana and into Mississippi. The operation is expected to commence on December 1.
When approached for comment, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin provided a standard response: "Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country. We do not discuss future or potential operations."
Mixed Political Response
Unlike previous immigration targets that focused on Democratic strongholds in blue states, New Orleans presents a unique political landscape. The city is led by Democratic Mayor LaToya Cantrell while the state is governed by Republican Governor Jeff Landry.
Governor Landry appeared to support the federal action, telling NewsMax: "I don't know what all the fuss is about, because we work with our federal agencies all the time to take dangerous criminals off the street." In September, Landry had requested to activate the state's National Guard to address public safety concerns.
The New Orleans Police Department has taken a different stance. A spokesperson confirmed that Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick planned to meet with Customs and Border Protection officials but clarified that NOPD will not participate in immigration arrests, describing them as "a civil matter" outside their jurisdiction.
Community Resistance and Preparation
Local businesses have begun expressing opposition to the anticipated federal presence. Numerous establishments have posted signs on their windows reading: "NO ICE ACCESS IN THIS BUILDING."
The signs continue: "This is a private business. You are not permitted to enter non-public areas of this business. You may not question employees or search the premises without proper legal authority."
Schools throughout New Orleans and surrounding areas have taken proactive measures, sending messages to families assuring them that students are safe on campus in an effort to prevent panic.
The operation's scope was hinted at by Greg Bovino, commander-at-large of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who posted on social media: "Hold on to your hats ladies and gentlemen, immigration enforcement is going next level."
