NEW ORLEANS (RTWNews) — The recent launch of a federal immigration crackdown in New Orleans has drawn significant public outcry. As encounters between masked federal agents and residents escalate, the city's mayor-elect, Helena Moreno, expressed deep concerns about the operation's impact on the community.
A young U.S. citizen, Jacelynn Guzman, became the latest example of the crackdown's invasive nature. While returning from a grocery trip, Guzman was approached by federal agents, leading her to flee in fear until she reached her family's home. We’re legal, we are from here, born and raised, she shouted at the agents.
According to reports, several hundred agents have been deployed under Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, aiming to arrest up to 5,000 individuals across Southeast Louisiana. The operation has been criticized for instilling fear among local residents, particularly those from Hispanic backgrounds, who feel vulnerable to unjust surveillance and detainment.
Moreno condemned the operation as detrimental, mentioning how many businesses have closed, and workers are avoiding public spaces due to fears of arrest. She noted that while federal officials claim to target dangerous criminals, the community has yet to see evidence supporting this assertion.
Local leaders, including Congressman Troy Carter and civil rights advocates, stand alongside Moreno in calling for regular briefings from federal agencies to ensure transparency in enforcement actions. Moreno seeks clear data on detentions, including details about individuals' legal statuses to assess if the operation genuinely correlates with criminal activity.
The altercation involving Guzman prompted further discussions on public safety and the perceived racial profiling linked to the crackdown. Guzman's stepfather, Juan Anglin, criticized the agents’ approach, arguing that Guzman was stopped based purely on her appearance, not because of any wrongdoing.
DHS officials clarified that they were targeting a specific individual with previous felony charges, yet Anglin contends the incident underscores broader concerns about targeting based on ethnicity rather than citizenship.
With uncertainty growing regarding the operation's long-term effects on community relations and trust, New Orleans is grappling with the balance between immigration enforcement and public safety.
