New Orleans’ incoming mayor criticized a recent federal immigration enforcement operation, stating that it has already had negative consequences. Instances of encounters between masked federal agents and residents, some captured on video, have sparked public outrage.
City officials highlighted the experience of Jacelynn Guzman, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen who was approached by federal agents while walking back home in Louisiana. Guzman was chased by agents until she reached her family’s residence in Marrero, expressing her frustration at being pursued despite her legal status.
Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino deployed hundreds of agents to southeast Louisiana as part of an operation targeting 5,000 individuals for immigration enforcement. While the Department of Homeland Security reported numerous arrests, details remain limited. Many Hispanic residents fear being unfairly targeted or detained, regardless of their legal standing.
Mayor-elect Helena Moreno, along with city council members, Rep. Troy Carter, Hispanic leaders, and civil rights advocates, voiced concerns over the federal agents’ actions. They noted the operation’s detrimental effects, leading to businesses closing and workers staying home due to fear of widespread arrests.
Contrary to federal officials’ claims of targeting dangerous criminals, Moreno questioned the operation’s actual focus. She called for transparent public briefings from federal agencies to provide comprehensive data on stops, detentions, charges, warrants, outcomes, and the criminal histories of those detained.
While recognizing the agents’ duties, Guzman’s stepfather, Juan Anglin, criticized their approach, emphasizing the need for respectful enforcement practices. He disputed the government’s explanation for Guzman’s encounter, alleging that she was targeted based on her appearance rather than any legitimate suspicion.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that agents had been searching for a specific criminal individual but left upon realizing Guzman was not the target. Anglin, however, maintained that Guzman was stopped solely due to her Hispanic heritage, raising concerns about racial profiling and unjust treatment.