Masked Border Patrol Agents Filmed Following Woman to Her Louisiana Home During Targeted Operation

Masked Border Patrol Agents Filmed Following Woman to Her Louisiana Home

Masked U.S. Border Patrol agents were recorded following 23-year-old Jacelynn Guzman as she walked home in Marrero, a suburb of New Orleans, during what the Department of Homeland Security described as a “targeted immigration enforcement operation.” Security footage shows two masked agents who exited an unmarked silver SUV and trailed Guzman on foot as she ran toward her property.

Guzman told NBC News she repeatedly told the agents she is a U.S.-born citizen and that her baby was inside the house. “I just kept repeating it — I'm a U.S.-born citizen. I was born and raised here. This is my home. My baby’s waiting for me,” she said, adding that she panicked and ran when the agents told her not to run.

Security video provided by Guzman’s mother shows an SUV pulling up near Guzman, two masked agents following her toward the house, and then stopping at the property line as Guzman entered the residence. A second clip shows Guzman’s stepfather confronting several agents from inside the property line and shouting, “Get the f--- out of here.” The agents then left in two SUVs. DHS says no arrests were made.

Department of Homeland Security statement: DHS said U.S. Border Patrol was conducting a targeted enforcement action aimed at a “criminal illegal alien” previously charged with felony theft and convicted of illegal possession of stolen property. According to the agency, agents encountered a woman matching the suspect’s description, identified themselves, and the individual ran toward her residence; agents stopped at the property line, determined she was not the target, and departed the area.

Guzman said she is "OK" after the incident but has replayed the moment in her mind, saying her first thought was to get home to her baby. She urged others to stay vigilant and protect their families amid heightened enforcement activity. The episode comes days after wider enforcement actions in New Orleans and Minneapolis, and after an announcement that National Guard troops would be sent to Louisiana.