Operation Swamp Sweep, now called Catahoula Crunch, is a coordinated multi-agency immigration enforcement initiative currently active in Louisiana. These operations, poised to bring 250 federal agents to the area, involve ICE, Border Patrol, and local law enforcement working together to conduct targeted arrests, traffic stops, home visits, and workplace sweeps.

While the New Orleans metro area remains the primary target, the operation will extend up to Baton Rouge and some parts of Mississippi. The coordinating department aims to arrest 5,000 people across the stated operational area. The operation is set to be led by Gregory Bovino, who has recently conducted the crackdowns and raids seen in Los Angeles, Chicago, and North Carolina. The deployment was set to begin on December 1st, but has been reported to be delayed by a couple of days.

The New Orleans Police Department’s official position is that they will not enforce immigration laws, but will cooperate to ensure public and community safety. Other local police departments in surrounding parishes, such as Kenner, have deputized officers to “enforce immigration laws”.

The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice stands in solidarity with immigrant communities in New Orleans, across Louisiana, and throughout the South as they confront intensified enforcement and growing threats to their safety and rights. We recognize these crackdowns for what they are: discriminatory and constitutionally harmful actions that are designed to instill fear and destabilize our communities. Immigrant communities have long been and will continue to be essential to building a strong, inclusive, multiracial democracy.