DHS launches new immigration crackdown operation in New Orleans

By Fox News · Fox News

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched its newest immigration crackdown operation in New Orleans aimed at capturing "criminal illegal aliens." In its announcement of Operation Catahoula Crunch, DHS said the federal crackdown was targeting illegal immigrants who were arrested for crimes and then subsequently released due to sanctuary policies. The department said that such polices "force" local law enforcement to "ignore" U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest detainers. "Sanctuary policies endanger American communities by releasing illegal criminal aliens and forcing DHS law enforcement to risk their lives to remove criminal illegal aliens that should have never been put back on the streets," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said i n a statement . "It is asinine that these monsters were released back onto New Orleans streets to COMMIT MORE CRIMES and create more victims. Catahoula Crunch targets include violent criminals who were released after arrest for home invasion, armed robbery, grand theft auto, and rape," she said. "Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are restoring law and order for the American people." ICE NABS CHILD RAPISTS, GUN-TOTING ROBBERS AS ASSAULTS ON OFFICERS RISE 1,153% In its announcement, DHS included several examples of illegal immigrants who were released from custody despite their criminal records. Those on the list were arrested for crimes such as aggravated assault with a firearm, domestic abuse, driving under the influence, home invasion and sexual battery, among others. New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick sparked backlash last week after saying that illegal immigration by foreign nationals in the U.S. is a "civil issue" and that her agency would not enforce certain immigration laws. "We will not enforce civil law , and so our support is to make sure they're not going to get hurt and our community is not in danger," Kirkpatrick said. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Mur…