DHS Launches 'Operation Catahoula Crunch' in New Orleans to Target Alleged Criminal Noncitizens

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched Operation Catahoula Crunch in New Orleans, an enforcement campaign that officials say is intended to identify and arrest noncitizens they describe as "criminal illegal aliens" who were previously arrested and then released under local sanctuary policies.

Operation overview

DHS officials say the operation focuses on individuals who were arrested on state or local charges and subsequently released, preventing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from executing detainers. In a statement, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized sanctuary policies as putting communities at risk and said the operation will prioritize violent offenders.

"Sanctuary policies endanger American communities by releasing illegal criminal aliens and forcing DHS law enforcement to risk their lives to remove criminal illegal aliens that should have never been put back on the streets," McLaughlin said.

The department released a list of 10 noncitizens it said had been arrested and later released; two of those men have since been deported, DHS said. The announcement included cited charges ranging from aggravated assault and armed robbery to sexual offenses, driving under the influence, and property crimes.

Local response

New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick drew criticism after describing enforcement of immigration matters as a civil issue and saying the department would not enforce certain civil immigration laws. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said she discussed the remarks with Kirkpatrick and reiterated that obstructing federal immigration enforcement can be a state crime.

Named individuals (as listed by DHS)

• Juan Ramon Dubon-Argueta — Honduran national, previously removed; alleged arrests include aggravated assault, child endangerment, aggravated assault with a firearm, domestic abuse, home invasion and property damage.
• Vu Hoang Pham — Vietnamese national; alleged arrests include aggravated battery, domestic abuse, aggravated assault, grand theft auto, battery of a police officer, burglary, DUI and several other charges listed by DHS.
• Jose Fernando Arzu-Osorto — Honduran national; alleged arrests include indecent behavior with a juvenile under 17 and armed robbery; DHS says he was released under sanctuary policies and later arrested again for armed robbery.
• Darwin Alexis Murillo-Ponce — Honduran national; alleged arrest for second-degree aggravated battery and subsequent release, according to DHS.
• Hared Fransisco Cruz-Alvarado — Honduran national, previously deported; alleged arrests include third-degree rape, simple battery and criminal trespass.
• Qise Awni Ahmad Al Besani — Jordanian national; alleged arrest for sexual battery.
• Andres Lopez-Castillejos — Mexican national, reportedly removed from the U.S. multiple times; alleged arrests include domestic abuse, child endangerment, armed robbery and driving without a license.
• Melvin Arnaul Velasquez-Ordonez — Honduran national; alleged arrests include domestic abuse, child endangerment and simple assault.
• Andy Javier Ruano-Reyes — Guatemalan national; alleged arrest for possession of a stolen firearm.
• Jason Steven Arce-Arce — Salvadoran national; alleged arrests for burglary and minor in possession of alcohol; DHS said he has been deported.

Broader policy context

Alongside the operation announcement, DHS leadership criticized federal immigration policies and emphasized removal of individuals they consider public-safety risks. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem (in remarks cited by the department) attributed past border-management decisions to the previous administration and framed the campaign as part of an effort to strengthen enforcement.

Separately, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued guidance pausing immigration processing for nationals of 19 countries for applicants who entered the United States on or after Jan. 20, 2021. The guidance affects green card and naturalization timelines for those nationals and may subject some applicants to additional review or interviews. The countries listed include Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.

Note on reporting

The names and charges listed above reflect the allegations cited by DHS in its announcement. Allegations are not convictions; individuals are entitled to due process under the law.