NEW ORLEANS — Concerns regarding a federal immigration enforcement operation that began this week are growing among residents and local officials in New Orleans. Mayor-elect Helena Moreno and several community leaders have expressed deep fears over the aggressive actions taken by federal agents in predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods, citing specific incidents that have raised alarm.
One such incident involved Jacelynn Guzman, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen, who was pursued by masked federal agents after she left a grocery store. According to footage, Guzman fled in fear, shouting, We’re legal, we are from here, born and raised. Don’t chase me, that is disgusting.
The operation, led by Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, aims to arrest 5,000 individuals believed to be in the country illegally, but only limited details about these arrests have been shared publicly. The Department of Homeland Security claims that the focus is on dangerous criminals. However, critics argue that this does not reflect the reality on the ground.
Moreno has called for public briefings from federal agencies to provide transparency into the operation, expressing a need for data that would clarify whether the enforcement actions are indeed targeting serious offenders. In her view, the violent approach and the racial profiling that seems to accompany these actions do not justify the stated aims.
Residents have reported widespread fear and anxiety leading to visible impacts on local businesses, with many choosing to stay home rather than risk encountering agents. These fears are echoed by Guzman’s stepfather, Juan Anglin, who expressed concern for his stepdaughter’s safety during the encounter with federal agents, stating, I thought she was going to be kidnapped, honestly.
As community leaders continue to advocate for better transparency and protection of residents, the spotlight remains on the federal government to address concerns of abuse and wrongful detentions amid their immigration enforcement efforts.
One such incident involved Jacelynn Guzman, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen, who was pursued by masked federal agents after she left a grocery store. According to footage, Guzman fled in fear, shouting, We’re legal, we are from here, born and raised. Don’t chase me, that is disgusting.
The operation, led by Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, aims to arrest 5,000 individuals believed to be in the country illegally, but only limited details about these arrests have been shared publicly. The Department of Homeland Security claims that the focus is on dangerous criminals. However, critics argue that this does not reflect the reality on the ground.
Moreno has called for public briefings from federal agencies to provide transparency into the operation, expressing a need for data that would clarify whether the enforcement actions are indeed targeting serious offenders. In her view, the violent approach and the racial profiling that seems to accompany these actions do not justify the stated aims.
Residents have reported widespread fear and anxiety leading to visible impacts on local businesses, with many choosing to stay home rather than risk encountering agents. These fears are echoed by Guzman’s stepfather, Juan Anglin, who expressed concern for his stepdaughter’s safety during the encounter with federal agents, stating, I thought she was going to be kidnapped, honestly.
As community leaders continue to advocate for better transparency and protection of residents, the spotlight remains on the federal government to address concerns of abuse and wrongful detentions amid their immigration enforcement efforts.
