DHS arrests dozens of 'violent' illegal immigrants within 24 hours of New Orleans crackdown

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that it arrested dozens of undocumented immigrants in New Orleans within 24 hours of launching Operation Catahoula Crunch, a crackdown targeting illegal immigrants, particularly those with a history of criminal activity.

Homeland Security touts rapid arrests in Catahoula Crunch crackdown

On Thursday, December 4, the DHS announced that it had made dozens of arrests in the city just one day after launching the operation.

"Americans should be able to live without fear of violent criminal illegal aliens harming them, their families, or their neighbors," Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.

"In just 24 hours on the ground, our law enforcement officers have arrested violent criminals with rap sheets that include homicide, kidnapping, child abuse, robbery, theft, and assault."

The DHS also released several photos of the arrested individuals accused of "terrorizing Americans." The detained men are from countries including Vietnam, Honduras, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic.

DHS lists criminal histories of migrants arrested in Catahoula Crunch

According to officials, Vietnamese national Binh Van To was detained; he has been convicted of kidnapping, homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, and aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. Another Vietnamese national, Hung Ngoc Tran, was convicted of s*xual assault, larceny, and "fondling" a child.

Carlos Roberto Guardado-Ramirez of Honduras was arrested for simple battery, domestic abuse, child endangerment, resisting an officer, and driving while intoxicated.

Jose Raul Lopez-Serrano, also a Honduran national, was convicted of m******a possession and had previously been arrested for disturbing the peace.

DHS reported that Luis Fernando Maldonado-Velasquez, a Guatemalan who has an immigration warrant, had previously been arrested for suspected vehicle theft, forgery, and altering documents.

Freddy Caldero-Caraballo from the Dominican Republic was reportedly arrested for suspected possession of c****ne, public intoxication, and driving while intoxicated.

DHS blasts sanctuary policies, says they endanger American communities

McLaughlin condemned sanctuary politicians for failing to prioritize the safety of American families, echoing previous statements that sanctuary policies have allowed illegal immigrants with criminal allegations to be released.

"President Trump and Secretary Noem will stand up to protect American families when sanctuary politicians won’t," McLaughlin said. "If you see a law enforcement officer today, thank them.”

"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."