As New Orleans braces for the impending arrival of approximately 250 federal border patrol officers, concerns about mass deportations and aggressive immigration enforcement are escalating. This move is part of former President Donald Trump’s ongoing effort to fortify his controversial immigration agenda, particularly in Democratic-led cities.

Despite falling crime rates in the city, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to launch “Operation Swamp Sweep” on December 1st, with the goal of arresting 5,000 individuals in southeastern Louisiana and Mississippi. This federal initiative comes at a time when New Orleans is experiencing a historic decline in violent crime, with murder rates 20% lower than last year.

Trump has previously suggested deploying federal troops to address what he described as New Orleans’ “crime problem.” His administration’s perspective has been met with skepticism as local data show significant improvements in public safety.

The upcoming DHS operation will be led by Gregory Bovino, a senior border patrol commander with a track record of controversial enforcement tactics in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago. In those areas, the aggressive deployment of federal agents has sparked large-scale protests and raised questions about civil liberties and the treatment of protesters.

Activists in New Orleans are preparing to mobilize against the anticipated raids. Community members are organizing to alert one another about federal enforcement activities, assisting those they believe are at risk, and promoting awareness of legal rights regarding immigration. This includes resources shared through community text threads and social media.

Mayor-elect Helena Moreno, a Mexican-American leader, expressed her concern about the atmosphere of fear in the city and is taking steps to educate residents about their legal rights amid the looming federal actions. “I’m very concerned about due process being violated and about racial profiling,” Moreno stated.

Local immigrant advocacy group Unión Migrante has been proactive in sharing critical information on social media and holding “Know Your Rights” workshops. These sessions equip attendees with knowledge about their legal protections during immigration investigations and interactions with federal agents.

Alfredo Salazar, a volunteer with Unión Migrante, emphasized the importance of these workshops, noting that many residents feel threatened simply based on their appearance. “It’s not just me, but thousands of us who look Latino,” he remarked. “We have to educate people that we have rights to defend ourselves and freedom of speech.”

New Orleans is culturally rich, with a diverse demographic that includes a significant number of Latino residents. Recent reports have indicated a spike in ICE raids in the region, prompting panic and precautionary measures among the immigrant community. Local advocates are preparing for increased legal consultations and support systems for those potentially facing detention.

Louisiana’s Republican governor, Jeff Landry, supports stricter immigration enforcement, aligning state policies with federal efforts. The state legislature has passed laws that impose penalties on local law enforcement for any delays in immigration enforcement and require monitoring of undocumented individuals utilizing state services.

Despite the local administration’s assertions that federal troop deployment is unnecessary, Landry has advocated for their presence, claiming it is essential for addressing perceived crime issues. The New Orleans Police Department has distanced itself from direct involvement in immigration enforcement, emphasizing their role in protecting residents’ rights.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented on the situation, affirmatively stating, “Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country.” However, she refrained from commenting on specific future operations.