Immigrant Businesses in Louisiana Devastated by Federal Crackdown

Sun Dec 07 2025 03:04:31 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A federal immigration enforcement operation in Kenner, Louisiana, targeting illegal immigrants has led to the decline of many Hispanic-owned businesses, leaving the community in fear and uncertainty.

In Kenner, Louisiana, a recent federal immigration crackdown has forced many Hispanic businesses to shutter their doors due to decreased customer traffic and heightened fear among immigrant workers. The operation, targeting alleged violent offenders, has raised concerns over the impact on the local economy and community spirit, as business owners like Carmela Diaz share their struggles in this worrying climate.

Kenner, La. — In the once vibrant community of Kenner, home to a significant Hispanic population, the recent federal immigration crackdown has sounded alarm bells. Many businesses, including Carmela Diaz's taco joint, have closed due to fear-driven declines in customer traffic. Federal operations aimed at illegal immigrants have left many, including both U.S. citizens and immigrants, feeling unsafe and uncertain.

For the last few weeks, Diaz's restaurant has sat empty as patrons and workers alike hesitate to go out. Diaz, originally from El Salvador, opened her first food truck after moving to the United States in 2006. The increasing fear stemming from operations led by the Department of Homeland Security has severely impacted her business.

The town’s situation worsened as federal convoys arrived, executing what they dubbed Operation Catahoula Crunch. This initiative has seen federal agents apprehending individuals in public spaces, leading to videos circulating online of detentions outside businesses.

Kenner has benefitted from its vibrant Hispanic community, which emerged largely in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Hispanic residents now make up around 30% of the population. The unintended consequences of these enforcement operations extend beyond immigration status, affecting the entire community’s livelihood.

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for DHS, claimed that the operations targeted violent offenders but provided no detailed data about those arrested, adding to the uncertainty in the community. Concerns run high, especially among immigrants like Sergio Perez, who fears for his relatives vulnerable to deportation or unwarranted detentions.

The city of Kenner, led by Mayor Michael Glaser, has distanced itself from the federal crackdowns, reiterating that operations conducted by federal authorities fall under their jurisdiction. However, this situation places local law enforcement agencies in a tough position, with agreements in place allowing them to detain individuals for potential deportation.

As businesses like Taqueria La Conquistadora remain closed, the palpable tension in Kenner is evident. Community members express feelings of isolation and fear, leading to a grim atmosphere where once the spirit of resilience thrived. As stated by Perez, the spirit of the community feels stifled, wholly inhibiting the vibrant culture that defines Kenner.