Federal Immigration Crackdown Provokes Fear among Louisiana Residents

Sun Dec 07 2025 03:06:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent immigration enforcement operation in New Orleans has generated fear and concern among local communities, particularly affecting Hispanic residents and raising questions about the impact on legal citizens.

The enforcement operation targeting 5,000 individuals has led to confrontations between masked federal agents and residents, instilling fear among the community. Local leaders, including Mayor-elect Helena Moreno, have raised alarms about the consequences of such aggressive tactics, while government officials assert they are targeting criminals. Eyewitness accounts, like that of Jacelynn Guzman, depict a climate of fear and discrimination against Hispanic individuals, regardless of legal status.

NEW ORLEANS — A federal immigration enforcement operation launched this week in New Orleans has sparked widespread fear and backlash among local residents, particularly within the Hispanic community. With encounters between federal agents and ordinary citizens making headlines, the atmosphere in the city has become tense and unsettled.

Mayor-elect Helena Moreno, alongside city council members and civil rights activists, voiced profound concern over the operation's impact. One of the most alarming incidents involved 23-year-old Jacelynn Guzman, a U.S. citizen who experienced a frightening encounter with masked agents. While returning home from the grocery store, Guzman was pursued by federal agents who mistook her for someone else. She shouted, Don’t chase me, that is disgusting, illustrating the distress faced by many amidst the crackdown.

Federal authorities claimed that the operation aimed to apprehend dangerous criminals who entered the U.S. illegally. However, community leaders assert that innocent individuals like Guzman are suffering as a result of aggressive tactics, raising questions about the operations' overall intentions. The operation has reportedly mobilized hundreds of Border Patrol agents in Southeast Louisiana with a goal of arresting up to 5,000 individuals, heightening anxiety among legal residents.

In response to the operation, local businesses have reportedly begun to shutter as workers stay home out of fear of potential detentions. Moreno emphasized the need for transparency, urging federal agencies to provide data on the nature of stops and arrests to ensure that the operation is truly targeting those who pose a threat.

As the enforcement continues, individuals like Guzman’s stepfather, Juan Anglin, have voiced their fears about racial profiling and unwarranted targeting based solely on appearance. Anglin stated, Just because you look brown, you look Hispanic, you’re going to get stopped, highlighting the injustices faced by many in the community.

This situation is exacerbated by the national discourse on immigration, with many feeling that the ongoing operations stoke divisions and fear rather than uphold justice and community safety. As the debate over immigration policy continues, the ramifications of these actions will likely remain a contentious issue for Albuquerque's diverse populace.