New Orleans Braces for Trump's 'Swamp Sweep' Immigration Operation

Thu Nov 20 2025 09:25:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As part of a national immigration crackdown, the Trump administration's Operation 'Swamp Sweep' is set to launch in New Orleans, raising concerns among local leaders about the impact on immigrant communities.

Beginning December 1, New Orleans will serve as a focal point for Operation 'Swamp Sweep,' an immigration enforcement initiative that will involve the deployment of 250 federal troops. Governor Jeff Landry's push for increased immigration control reflects a broader political tension between state and local leaders, particularly in a city with rich immigrant heritage. Democratic leaders express concerns over the operation's implications for community safety and civil rights, amidst fears of racial profiling and violations of due process.

NEW ORLEANS — The vibrant city of New Orleans, famous for its jazz, festivals, and Creole cuisine, is preparing for a significant enforcement initiative under the Trump administration's immigration policies. Starting December 1, Operation Swamp Sweep will see the deployment of up to 250 federal troops, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s complex relationship with immigration enforcement.

Expected to be carried out with the backing of Louisiana's Republican Governor Jeff Landry, this operation aims to enhance federal immigration enforcement amid increasing tensions between state and local governance. Governor Landry, who has actively sought to align the state's policies with federal priorities, has recently facilitated legislative measures that challenge the city's Democratic leadership and its approach to immigration.

New Orleans Mayor-elect Helena Moreno, representing significant immigrant communities, expressed deep concerns regarding the operation, emphasizing the fear that has permeated the city. I’m very concerned about due process being violated, I’m very concerned about racial profiling, Moreno said, indicating that many residents might not be aware of their rights under federal scrutiny.

The operation comes on the heels of a legal shift that releases the New Orleans Police Department from federal oversight, which had previously limited immigration enforcement engagement. Advocates warn that the influx of federal agents could disproportionately affect those who contribute significantly to the city's economy and cultural fabric, including workers who maintain the tourism industry.

Immigration enforcement is politically charged in Louisiana, as it hosts one of the country's largest ICE detention facilities despite having no direct international borders. Critics of the plan argue that the same officials pushing for increased enforcement benefit from immigrant labor during major events, including the upcoming Mardi Gras celebrations.

Local leaders, including the New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, are prepared to navigate these federal directives carefully, ensuring community safety while adhering to state law. However, the operational framework created by the state could lead to legal ambiguities regarding immigration enforcement practices.

The situation highlights the ongoing conflict between federal immigration mandates and local governance in New Orleans, a city with a storied history of immigration and cultural fusion.

The upcoming operation reflects larger national discussions on immigration policy and enforcement strategy, deeply affecting the lives of many in New Orleans and beyond.