(NewsNation) — Local police are now joining forces with federal immigration officers amid the immigration crackdown in New Orleans.
The operation, dubbed “Catahoula Crunch” after the Louisiana state dog, involves more than 20 law enforcement agencies and about 250 federal officers. Officials have said the operation is targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records, though the raids are sending shockwaves through local communities, with some businesses closing and many parents afraid to send their children to school.
Local police are now authorized to help enforce federal immigration laws, a move immigration attorneys warn could change how stops and searches are handled. Kenner Police chief Keith Conley said 15 of his officers are or will soon be certified to assist.
“Our SWAT team, our tactical teams have been on standby around the clock in case we get the call that we are needed,” Conley said. “We’re well-trained, and we can handle this mission. So I’ve had great communications with the commander and with some of his deputies, and they know that we stand ready.”
One of the most significant indicators of the operation’s effect on the city is school attendance. Data from Jefferson Parish shows thousands of students stayed home last week, according to local news station WWL-TV. In addition, Terrytown Elementary — where 79% of students are Hispanic — 41% of the students were absent on Monday alone, the outlet reported.
Mayor-elect Helena Moreno, who immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico as a child, is demanding transparency and compassion. She wants agents clearly identified and not wearing masks while operating in the city.
“We are requesting regular public briefings from federal agencies,” Moreno said. “Without this full visibility into these enforcement actions, it is impossible to determine whether this particular operation is actually targeting the most dangerous offenders.”
Right now, there’s no sign the operation is slowing down. Communities remain on edge, and despite criticism, national democratic leaders have been largely quiet and divided on how to respond as federal officials vow to take enforcement to what they call “the next level.”