Protesters Storm New Orleans City Council as DHS Launches ‘Operation Catahoula Crunch’

Anti‑ICE Demonstrators Disrupt City Council After Federal Immigration Sweep Is Announced

A New Orleans City Council meeting devolved into chaos on Thursday when anti‑ICE protesters forced their way into the chamber to oppose a newly announced federal immigration enforcement operation across southeast Louisiana.

The demonstration followed a Department of Homeland Security announcement the day before unveiling Operation Catahoula Crunch, a roughly two‑month initiative that will deploy about 250 Border Patrol agents to New Orleans and nearby areas. Activists have dubbed the campaign the “Swamp Sweep,” and the operation has drawn sharp criticism from immigrant‑rights groups.

What Happened at City Hall

Supporters of the protest began gathering outside City Hall around 9:30 a.m., holding signs and chanting through megaphones. Officers later allowed a number of demonstrators into the council chambers, where several moved toward the podium and attempted to address officials. Council members interrupted them, saying their remarks were not on the meeting agenda.

The exchange quickly escalated into loud jeers and chants of “Shame!” and “Coward!” Council members suspended the meeting and walked out, leaving protesters to occupy the chamber. About 30–40 people initially refused repeated police orders to leave. Officers began escorting some individuals out; in one confrontation an officer lifted and carried a protester from the floor as others cried out.

“Shame on you. He’s a peaceful protester. You don’t drag people out like that — it’s criminal,” one woman shouted as the demonstrator was removed.

Outside, activists shouted and made obscene gestures at officers behind a metal barricade. Police maintained their positions and, as of Thursday afternoon, no arrests or detentions had been reported.

Inside the chamber, the crowd repeatedly chanted: “No ICE! No KKK! No racist USA!”

DHS Statement and Operation Goals

The Department of Homeland Security described Operation Catahoula Crunch as an effort to locate and remove what it characterized as “criminal illegal aliens roaming free thanks to sanctuary policies” that limit cooperation with ICE arrest detainers. In a statement, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized sanctuary policies and said they endanger communities and put DHS personnel at increased risk while limiting enforcement options.

McLaughlin also said the operation is focused on offenders she described as violent — including those arrested in connection with home invasion, armed robbery, grand theft auto and rape — and framed the deployment as part of restoring public safety.

Local Response and Ongoing Protests

Thursday’s confrontation followed a separate protest on Monday outside City Hall, where speakers told reporters and attendees that the impending sweep would retraumatize immigrant communities. Organizers, including the New Orleans Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression with support from several allied groups, accused federal and local authorities of targeting vulnerable populations and vowed to continue demonstrating while the operation proceeds.

DHS has not provided a specific end date beyond saying the operation is expected to run for roughly two months.