Trump has his foot on the gas pedal and he isn’t letting go.
New Orleans Becomes Latest Target as Trump Expands Nationwide Crackdown on Criminal Illegal Immigrants
The Department of Homeland Security has announced that New Orleans is officially the next U.S. city to face a major ICE sweep, continuing President Donald Trump’s aggressive effort to restore law and order after years of destructive sanctuary-city policies.
This new enforcement push — Operation Catahoula Crunch — follows federal actions already launched in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Charlotte, giving millions of Americans renewed hope that the nation is finally taking border security seriously again.
DHS: Sanctuary Policies Are Putting Americans in Danger
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin delivered a blunt warning about the consequences of local officials refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
“Sanctuary policies endanger American communities by releasing illegal criminal aliens,” McLaughlin said. “It forces agents to risk their lives arresting criminals who should have never been put back on our streets.”
She didn’t hold back on describing the situation in New Orleans:
“It’s outrageous that these dangerous individuals were turned loose only to victimize more innocent people. Operation Catahoula Crunch is focused on taking violent criminals off the streets — including those linked to home invasions, armed robberies, car theft, and even sexual assault. With President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem leading the charge, we are bringing law and order back to American communities.”
ICE Lists Violent Criminals Released Back Into New Orleans
Federal officials released details on 10 criminal illegal immigrants who had been let go by local authorities. Charges against them include:
- Aggravated assault
- Theft
- Child endangerment
- Battery
These offenders came from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jordan, Mexico, and Vietnam, underscoring the global nature of the crisis at America’s borders.
CBS News previously reported that around 200 Border Patrol agents are being sent to New Orleans to carry out the sweep.
Trump Sends National Guard to Support Local Law Enforcement
President Trump confirmed during a cabinet meeting that National Guard troops will soon deploy to New Orleans, responding to an urgent request from Louisiana’s Republican Governor Jeff Landry.
“Gov. Landry — a great guy, a great governor — asked for assistance,” Trump told reporters. “We’re going there in a couple of weeks.”
Landry, who earlier sought up to 1,000 National Guard troops to combat soaring crime, said he expects the Guard to arrive before Christmas. Their presence will overlap with major tourism events, including:
- The Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day
- Mardi Gras celebrations ending February 17
The timing ensures heightened security during the city’s busiest — and most vulnerable — months.
A City Still Recovering From Tragedy
The increased security arrives as New Orleans nears the anniversary of an ISIS-inspired truck rampage that claimed 14 lives and wounded 57 more during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The attack stunned the country and highlighted just how exposed major American cities had become under lax border policies.
In 2022, New Orleans earned the grim title of “murder capital of America,” recording 70 homicides per 100,000 residents.
However, newly released crime data shows the city is now on track to record its lowest murder numbers in nearly 50 years — a turnaround many attribute to tougher policing and new cooperation with federal agencies under President Trump.
Why This Matters to Every American
For millions of Americans — especially older voters who remember safer, more stable times — Trump’s crackdown represents a return to common sense. Many see it as a direct response to years of dangerous open-border policies that allowed violent offenders to infiltrate U.S. communities.
With national security back in the spotlight, the New Orleans operation is likely to become a major 2025 political flashpoint.