Republican officials in Louisiana are split over federal immigration raids as Border Patrol seeks roughly 5,000 arrests. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser warned the operations are creating fear among legally resident communities and disrupting work in construction, restaurants and hotels. Gov. Jeff Landry's office said undocumented immigrants who commit crimes should be removed swiftly, highlighting a sharp intra-party disagreement.
Louisiana Republicans Split Over New Orleans Immigration Raids as Border Patrol Targets ~5,000 People
Republican leaders in Louisiana are publicly divided over recent federal immigration enforcement operations in New Orleans and elsewhere in the state, where Border Patrol agents are pursuing roughly 5,000 people, officials say.
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser (R) said residents who are legally living in Louisiana have expressed alarm at the raids and the fear they have generated in affected communities.
"I think the president needs to take a step back and look at what's going on and try to relieve some of the fear in these communities for the people that are here legally," Nungesser told local station 4WWL.
Operations Expand Across States
The Trump administration has launched several targeted immigration-enforcement operations in recent weeks with the stated goal of removing immigrants believed to be in the country illegally. Authorities say the efforts have also included locations in North Carolina, Illinois, California, New York and Florida.
Reports indicate agents have detained people at places of worship, schools and private businesses — actions that local officials and community leaders say raise civil liberties and humanitarian concerns.
Local Impact and Economic Concerns
Nungesser, who oversees the state's tourism promotion, warned the raids are disrupting local industries. "It's home builders, it's restaurants, it's hotels — people aren't showing up for work," he said. "How long is it going to continue? Did they say we're gonna be here for two weeks, for two months, or we're gonna be here until 12 million people are detained? What is that going to cost the economy?"
Governor's Office Responds
By contrast, Gov. Jeff Landry's (R-La.) office urged swift removal of undocumented immigrants. Kate Kelly, a spokesperson for Landry, told The New Orleans Advocate it was "disappointing" that Nungesser appeared to offer what she described as greater protections to people who entered the country illegally, and stressed that those who commit crimes should be held accountable under the same legal standards as American citizens.
The situation is unfolding as federal, state and local officials weigh enforcement priorities, community safety and economic consequences. Coverage and reactions are continuing to develop as more details about the operations and their local impact emerge.
Reporting referenced local outlets including 4WWL and The New Orleans Advocate.
