Fri Dec 05 15:10:00 UTC 2025: ## “Catahoula Crunch” Immigration Operation Sparks Fear in New Orleans Latino Community

Kenner, LA – A new immigration enforcement operation, dubbed “Catahoula Crunch,” launched by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the New Orleans area, is causing widespread fear and uncertainty within the Latino community. The operation, named after a powerful and territorial dog breed, is part of President Trump’s promise of a major crackdown on undocumented migrants.

The operation began with a dramatic scene in Kenner, a suburb of New Orleans, where US Border Patrol agents surrounded a house, eventually coaxing two laborers off the roof after they appeared to resist arrest. Activists present at the scene expressed concern over the “abduction” of these individuals, highlighting the terror it inflicts on the local community.

DHS officials stated that agents were conducting immigration enforcement when the laborers refused to comply with commands. While confirming an arrest, they did not clarify the immigration status of those involved or whether a warrant was obtained before accessing the property. A subsequent DHS news release claimed dozens of individuals with prior arrests or convictions had been apprehended during the operation across Louisiana.

Commander Greg Bovino, leading the operation, vowed to target the “worst of the worst” among undocumented migrants, emphasizing a commitment to making America safe. However, local officials dispute the scale and nature of the alleged criminal element within the immigrant population. New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell questioned the claim that thousands of violent criminals could be found within the city and surrounding areas.

The operation has led to a virtual lockdown in Kenner’s Latino community, with many residents fearful of leaving their homes. Local businesses, such as Abigail’s Mexican restaurant, have seen a drop in customers as residents prioritize safety. Abigail, a restaurant owner who immigrated from Mexico City two decades ago, expressed deep sadness and concern for her community, highlighting the economic reliance on immigrant labor.

While DHS claims “Catahoula Crunch” targets undocumented migrants with criminal allegations, leaked government figures from previous operations suggest that most of those arrested had no prior criminal history. This has fueled criticism and concerns about the scope and justification of the operation, which has sparked a fierce backlash in Democrat-led cities.

The operation also highlights the contrasting views on immigration within Louisiana, with Republican Governor Jeff Landry welcoming the crackdown, while leaders in New Orleans oppose the tactics. The state has even floated the idea of detaining rounded-up migrants in Angola, a maximum security prison with a dark history linked to a former slave plantation.

The current climate reflects broader shifts in public opinion on immigration, even within Trump’s base, with recent polling suggesting a decline in approval regarding his handling of the issue.

As “Catahoula Crunch” continues, the residents of Kenner and the wider New Orleans area are left grappling with uncertainty and fear, underscoring the complexities and tensions surrounding immigration in America.

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