NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Around 250 federal border agents are expected to launch a monthslong immigration crackdown on Monday in southeast Louisiana and into Mississippi dubbed 'Swamp Sweep.' The deployment, which aims to arrest 5,000 people, is centered in liberal New Orleans and is the latest federal immigration enforcement operation to target a Democratic-run city as President Trump's administration pursues its mass deportation agenda.
Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, known for leading aggressive immigration operations in other major cities, will helm the campaign. Many in the greater New Orleans area, especially in Latino communities, are on edge since the announcement of the operation earlier this month, even as Republican Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry expressed support for the federal agents.
Bovino has become the Trump administration’s go-to operative for leading large-scale, high-profile immigration enforcement campaigns. His previous operations have faced criticism for aggressive tactics. For instance, in Chicago, federal agents conducted raids that included rappelling from helicopters and deploying pepper balls against protesters. Such actions have led to accusations of heavy-handed tactics against the Border Patrol, prompting several lawsuits.
In the wake of the operation announcement, immigration lawyers in the area are reporting a surge in consultations from individuals preparing for the crackdown. Residents are taking precautionary measures akin to preparing for a hurricane, storing food, and arranging for their children’s transportation to limit travel during the operation. Meanwhile, signs barring federal agents from entering businesses have been posted, and advocacy groups are offering workshops to educate the community about their rights.
Despite New Orleans’ diverse culture, foreign-born residents account for only about 6.7% of the city’s population, which rises to about 10% in neighboring areas. The local Hispanic community, having expanded since Hurricane Katrina, now constitutes roughly 14%. With expectations that the crackdown will deter tourism, some local business owners fear significant economic repercussions.
As the situation continues to develop, implications for the local community and economy remain a pressing concern.
Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, known for leading aggressive immigration operations in other major cities, will helm the campaign. Many in the greater New Orleans area, especially in Latino communities, are on edge since the announcement of the operation earlier this month, even as Republican Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry expressed support for the federal agents.
Bovino has become the Trump administration’s go-to operative for leading large-scale, high-profile immigration enforcement campaigns. His previous operations have faced criticism for aggressive tactics. For instance, in Chicago, federal agents conducted raids that included rappelling from helicopters and deploying pepper balls against protesters. Such actions have led to accusations of heavy-handed tactics against the Border Patrol, prompting several lawsuits.
In the wake of the operation announcement, immigration lawyers in the area are reporting a surge in consultations from individuals preparing for the crackdown. Residents are taking precautionary measures akin to preparing for a hurricane, storing food, and arranging for their children’s transportation to limit travel during the operation. Meanwhile, signs barring federal agents from entering businesses have been posted, and advocacy groups are offering workshops to educate the community about their rights.
Despite New Orleans’ diverse culture, foreign-born residents account for only about 6.7% of the city’s population, which rises to about 10% in neighboring areas. The local Hispanic community, having expanded since Hurricane Katrina, now constitutes roughly 14%. With expectations that the crackdown will deter tourism, some local business owners fear significant economic repercussions.
As the situation continues to develop, implications for the local community and economy remain a pressing concern.
