Trump Administration Targets New Orleans in Immigration Crackdown Amid Sanctuary City Controversy

Image Source: Internet

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a major immigration crackdown in New Orleans, the latest Democratic-run city to face a targeted operation by the Trump administration. The move comes in response to the city's sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the operation on social media, stating that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will focus on removing individuals who have committed serious crimes, such as home invasion, armed robbery, and rape. The operation follows a statement from President Donald Trump, who pledged to send National Guard troops to the city to combat crime and assist with the immigration crackdown. Critics argue that the Trump administration's claims about the prevalence of violent crimes among undocumented migrants are exaggerated. A recent study by the Cato Institute found that only 5% of those taken into ICE custody since October 1 had a violent criminal conviction, while 73% had no criminal conviction at all. However, DHS contests these figures, stating that 70% of ICE arrests involve individuals charged or convicted of a crime in the United States. The operation in New Orleans marks the latest effort by the Trump administration to target cities with sanctuary policies, which have been a point of contention between the administration and Democratic cities. The city's mayor is a Democrat, but the state governor is a Republican, highlighting the complex politics surrounding the issue.