NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Authorities are facing increasing scrutiny as they track online criticism and demonstrations in response to the immigration enforcement operation known as 'Catahoula Crunch.' The operation has raised questions about transparency and the potential for racial profiling, with officials monitoring public sentiment through social media.
Details regarding the arrests made last week have been limited, causing local leaders to demand clarity on the practices and objectives of the crackdown. We are being kept in the dark about this operation, said New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell. If the goal was targeting violent offenders, transparency about those arrested is essential. However, that information remains elusive.”
Despite claims from immigration authorities that the sweeps are aimed at apprehending 'criminal illegal aliens,' reports indicate that less than a third of the 38 people arrested during the initial phase of the operation had substantial criminal backgrounds. Community leaders are concerned that the immigration enforcement appears to be disproportionately affecting Hispanic neighborhoods.
State and federal intelligence reports outlined how closely law enforcement has been monitoring social media discussions, flagging posts where users accuse agents of racial profiling. New Orleans leaders, however, argue that these actions threaten free speech and community organizing efforts.
Rachel Taber from the community organizing group Union Migrante remarked, “Our goal is simply to keep our community safe and informed, and we will continue to do this despite any monitoring." Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security has not addressed these community concerns directly, instead pointing to a previous announcement celebrating the arrests made during the operation.
Local authorities are pushing for a more transparent approach that honors their responsibilities toward the community, emphasizing that community cooperation should be the priority over fear tactics.
