Federal agents have arrested nearly 400 undocumented immigrants in the New Orleans area as part of a sweeping enforcement operation that began earlier this month, according to Department of Homeland Security officials.
The initiative, dubbed “Operation Catahoula Crunch,” has resulted in approximately 370 arrests since December 3, 2025, with DHS specifically highlighting individuals with criminal histories ranging from drug offenses to violent crimes in what appears to be the Trump administration’s most aggressive immigration enforcement action in the region to date.
Targeting “Criminal Aliens”
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the operation as necessary law enforcement, particularly in an area she characterized as having “sanctuary city politicians.” In a strongly worded statement, McLaughlin said the operation targeted “illegal alien drug dealers, hit-and-run criminals, and one monster who was convicted for arson and threatening a person with intent to terrorize.”
“Secretary Noem has been VERY CLEAR: DHS does not pick and choose which laws we enforce and which we don’t; under President Trump we are restoring law and order,” McLaughlin added. “No matter when and where, DHS will find, arrest, and deport ALL criminal illegal aliens.”
Among those detained was Marlon Adolfo Jiron-Castro, a Honduran national previously removed from the U.S. who was convicted of threatening a crime with intent to terrorize, arson, burglary, and possession of a controlled substance, according to DHS records.
But who else is being swept up in this operation? The agency highlighted several cases they consider priorities:
Juan Carlos Medina-Hernandez from Honduras was arrested with convictions for marijuana distribution, possession of controlled substances, driving without a license, and obstruction of justice. Mexican national Angel Rocha-Marquez, twice removed previously, was identified as a driver in a 2022 smuggling operation and had convictions for illegal weapon use alongside arrests for domestic abuse battery and driving while intoxicated.
Several others had histories of traffic violations. Filadelfo Sis-Rodriguez from Guatemala was previously arrested for driving while intoxicated and hit-and-run, while Sergio Yobany Lopez-Mejia, also from Guatemala, had prior arrests for hit-and-run and driving without a license.
Community Impact
The operation hasn’t gone unnoticed in immigrant communities. Local nonprofits have mobilized to provide support to families affected by the arrests, with some organizations conducting outreach during the enforcement actions themselves.
Immigration advocates have long criticized such large-scale operations, arguing they often separate families and create fear in immigrant communities, including among those with legal status. DHS officials counter that their focus remains on individuals with criminal histories who pose public safety risks.
The operation comes as the second Trump administration has promised a more aggressive approach to immigration enforcement nationwide. Secretary Noem, who took over leadership of DHS following President Trump’s 2024 victory, has repeatedly emphasized a “no exceptions” approach to immigration enforcement.
Still, the scale of the New Orleans operation — nearly 400 arrests in less than two weeks — represents a significant escalation compared to previous enforcement actions in the region.
As Operation Catahoula Crunch continues, the tension between federal enforcement priorities and local community concerns shows no signs of easing. With hundreds already in custody and deportation proceedings likely underway for many, the human impact of this policy shift is only beginning to be felt across New Orleans neighborhoods.
