NEW ORLEANS (AP) — State and federal authorities are intensively monitoring online sentiments and protests related to the immigration crackdown in New Orleans, known as 'Catahoula Crunch.' Law enforcement records indicate that authorities are engaged in round-the-clock surveillance of digital platforms to gauge public reaction and potential threats to agents.
Despite the operation's considerable scope, details regarding the first arrests have been largely withheld from the public, prompting calls for greater transparency from local officials who have expressed being kept uninformed about various aspects of the operation.
The response from online spaces appears mixed; some users openly support the enforcement measures while others voice strong opposition. Briefings indicate a community mobilizing against immigration authorities, with activists sharing details on social media about ongoing operations and urging the public to document ICE and Border Patrol activities.
While immigration officials claim that their actions primarily target 'criminal illegal aliens,' less than a third of the 38 individuals arrested in the first two days of the operation had notable criminal backgrounds. This discrepancy has raised eyebrows among local leaders who contend that the operation is misaligned with its stated objectives.
Local leaders, including New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell, have highlighted the discrepancy between public safety narratives and the realities of the arrests. Morrell criticized the lack of communication, questioning why transparency was not prioritized if the intention was to tackle violent offenders.
Authorities also appear keen to monitor the public's reaction closely; records note apprehension around potential backlash, with officials expressing concern that online surveillance could undermine free speech. Activists are undeterred, asserting their legal rights to protest and document federal actions, while state police continue to warn against any disruptions of agency activities.
As the situation unfolds, civil liberties advocates emphasize the importance of transparency to ensure accountability and protect community engagement amid federal operations that seem to disproportionately affect Hispanic neighborhoods.
