NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans’ mayor-elect, Helena Moreno, expressed deep concerns regarding a federal immigration crackdown that took effect this week. The operations have reportedly led to alarming encounters between agents and local residents, triggering intense reactions in a city known for its diverse communities.
One significant incident involved Jacelynn Guzman, a young woman who encountered federal agents while walking home from grocery shopping. Security footage showed agents pursuing Guzman before she reached her family’s home in Marrero, aggravating fears within Hispanic neighborhoods.
“We’re legal, we’re from here, born and raised,” Guzman yelled at the agents, reflecting the sentiments of many in the community who fear being unjustly targeted. This incident, representative of the fear permeating the city, drew attention to the actions of Border Patrol commanders under Gregory Bovino, as hundreds of agents sweept through Southeast Louisiana aiming to arrest 5,000 people.
Despite federal assurances that the operation targets dangerous criminals, Mayor Moreno doubts its objectives and raises concerns about the broader impact on the local economy. Along with civil rights advocates, Moreno is demanding more comprehensive public reporting from federal agencies about the specifics of the operations to prevent unjust targeting of residents.
Moreno emphasized, Without this visibility into these enforcement actions, we cannot determine if this operation truly focuses on the most dangerous offenders.”
Local community leaders, such as Guzman’s stepfather, have echoed Moreno’s concerns, alleging that individuals are being stopped simply based on their appearance, asserting that the crackdown disproportionately targets Hispanic individuals.
As tensions rise, New Orleans finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the implications of federal immigration policies on its vibrant and diverse communities.
