Federal agents expand immigration operations to New Orleans, Minneapolis

Federal immigration authorities have launched a sweeping enforcement push in New Orleans and Minneapolis, broadening the Trump administration’s ongoing crackdown in cities with policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration officials. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Wednesday that the New Orleans operation—officially named “Catahoula Crunch”—is aimed at locating immigrants who were released after arrests for violent offenses, including home invasion, armed robbery, grand theft auto and rape.  According to DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, the initiative targets “violent criminals” and accused local “sanctuary” policies of keeping federal agents from taking custody of people they believe should have been detained.