City Upset With Trump’s DHS
New Orleans Mayor-elect Helena Moreno is demanding sweeping changes to how federal agents conduct the Department of Homeland Security’s aggressive immigration enforcement operation — even as DHS insists it is targeting some of the most dangerous criminals in the region.
At a Friday press conference, Moreno stood with Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.), former Mayor Marc Morial, and local civic leaders to criticize what she called heavy-handed tactics during Operation Catahoula Crunch, a large-scale federal crackdown designed to remove violent offenders and illegal immigrants with criminal histories.
Moreno claimed federal officials originally promised to focus on “the worst of the worst,” but she argued that residents are now witnessing unexpected detentions and sudden disappearances.
According to Moreno, people are being taken into custody “off the streets” with little communication, a situation she called “many steps too far.”
Moreno Issues a List of Demands to Federal Leadership
Moreno said she sent five formal demands to Border Patrol’s New Orleans chief, Gregory Bovino. Her requests include:
✔ 1. Public updates and full data transparency
Regular reports on Border Patrol stops, detentions, and the legal basis for each action — including any criminal warrants.
✔ 2. Clear identification of federal agents
Moreno wants agents to remove masks and display proper identification during operations.
✔ 3. No stops based on race or perceived immigration status
She insisted that racial or linguistic profiling must not occur.
✔ 4. Guaranteed humanitarian protections
This includes medical care, language interpretation, and quick notification of family members after any detention.
✔ 5. Increased communication and accountability
Moreno said the community deserves clear information and constitutional protections throughout the DHS mission.
“Our points are simple,” she said. “They’re about communication, transparency, accountability, and protecting people’s rights.”
Federal Officials Defend the Operation
Border Patrol’s Bovino responded by suggesting the operation is already conducted in an open and straightforward manner.
“I think this is about as transparent as it gets,” he told Nola.com, pushing back on claims of secrecy.
DHS leaders also emphasized the mission’s public-safety focus. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the agency aims to make 5,000 arrests or more in the New Orleans region.
“We’re talking about child predators, burglars, gang members, rapists — those are our targets,” McLaughlin said, describing the operation as a direct effort to protect American communities.
ACLU Claims Civil Rights Concerns
The ACLU of Louisiana is pushing another narrative. Advocacy director Sarah Whittington told Nola.com that some workers and residents “have already been profiled, chased, hunted, and even stared down the barrel of a rifle” during the enforcement surge.
