A sharp directive has emerged from Louisiana’s Attorney General, Liz Murrill, demanding full cooperation between the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and federal immigration authorities. This call to action follows a significant federal enforcement operation that led to the apprehension of numerous individuals with criminal records who were not legally authorized to be in the country.
The Attorney General’s letter to NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick asserts that current departmental policies appear to clash with Louisiana state law, potentially classifying them as “sanctuary” policies. These policies, generally, restrict local law enforcement from assisting federal agencies with immigration enforcement.
Murrill’s letter is unequivocal: the NOPD is legally obligated to “use best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration law.” She urges Kirkpatrick to immediately instruct all officers and staff to fully collaborate with both U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Louisiana recently enacted legislation specifically prohibiting local jurisdictions from adopting sanctuary policies. The Attorney General emphasizes that any departmental policy actively hindering cooperation with ICE, beyond narrowly defined exceptions, could expose individuals to felony prosecution for malfeasance.
This demand for cooperation arrives amidst a heightened federal immigration crackdown in the Louisiana region, and a surge of opposition from groups advocating against ICE. The atmosphere is charged with tension, reflecting a deep divide over immigration enforcement strategies.
A New Orleans City Council meeting descended into turmoil Thursday as protesters vehemently opposed to ICE stormed the chambers. The demonstration involved shouting down officials and physical confrontations with police, highlighting the intensity of the local backlash.
The unrest was sparked by the Department of Homeland Security’s announcement of “Operation Catahoula Crunch,” a two-month initiative deploying 250 Border Patrol agents to New Orleans and the surrounding areas. Protesters have dubbed the operation “Swamp Sweep,” further fueling their opposition.
Federal authorities state the operation’s primary goal is to remove individuals who are in the country illegally and have committed crimes, individuals who have been allowed to remain free due to local sanctuary policies that prevent honoring ICE detainers. The situation underscores a growing conflict between federal immigration enforcement and local policies.
