New Orleans, Louisiana, December 2, 2025
Approximately 250 federal border agents launched a monthslong immigration enforcement operation dubbed ‘Swamp Sweep’ across New Orleans and nearby areas. The initiative aims to arrest 5,000 individuals throughout Southeast Louisiana and Mississippi, overseen by Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino. The operation has raised concerns in local communities, particularly among Latino families, prompting them to take precautionary measures. Advocacy groups are offering legal guidance, while the state government supports federal enforcement efforts, amidst debates on the operation’s impact on local economies and civil rights.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Federal Border Agents Launch ‘Swamp Sweep’ Immigration Crackdown in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Approximately 250 federal border agents have initiated a monthslong immigration enforcement operation, known as “Swamp Sweep,” in New Orleans and surrounding areas. The operation aims to arrest 5,000 individuals across southeast Louisiana and into Mississippi. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, recognized for leading similar operations in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, North Carolina, is overseeing the campaign.
Operation Details
The “Swamp Sweep” operation commenced on December 1, 2025, focusing on neighborhoods and commercial centers throughout southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, and St. Tammany parishes, extending to Baton Rouge and parts of Mississippi. Federal officials have established multiple staging sites to support the operation, including a command post at the FBI’s New Orleans field office and storage facilities at a naval base south of the city.
Community Response
The operation has raised concerns within local communities, particularly among Latino residents. Many families are taking precautionary measures, such as limiting public outings and arranging emergency childcare. Local advocacy groups are providing legal guidance and training on individual rights during enforcement actions. Some businesses have displayed signs prohibiting federal agents from entering their premises.
State and Local Perspectives
Louisianna’s state laws have increasingly aligned with federal immigration directives, including criminal penalties for individuals who obstruct federal enforcement efforts. Governor Jeff Landry has expressed support for the federal agents’ presence, welcoming the operation.
Background Context
The “Swamp Sweep” operation is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to intensify immigration enforcement nationwide. Similar operations have been conducted in cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, North Carolina. The initiative has sparked debates over its impact on local economies, particularly in tourism-dependent areas like New Orleans, and raised civil rights concerns related to racial profiling and the use of force.
Key Features of the ‘Swamp Sweep’ Operation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Operation Name | ‘Swamp Sweep’ |
| Initiation Date | December 1, 2025 |
| Duration | Months-long |
| Target Arrests | 5,000 individuals |
| Area of Focus | Southeast Louisiana and parts of Mississippi |
| Operation Leader | Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino |
| Community Concerns | Precautionary measures, legal guidance, business prohibitions |
| State Government Stance | Supportive of federal agents’ presence |
| Broader Context | Part of nationwide immigration enforcement strategy |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the ‘Swamp Sweep’ operation?
The ‘Swamp Sweep’ is a monthslong immigration enforcement operation initiated by federal border agents in New Orleans and surrounding areas, aiming to arrest 5,000 individuals across southeast Louisiana and into Mississippi. The operation is overseen by Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino.
When did the ‘Swamp Sweep’ operation begin?
The ‘Swamp Sweep’ operation commenced on December 1, 2025.
What areas are affected by the ‘Swamp Sweep’ operation?
The operation focuses on neighborhoods and commercial centers throughout southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, and St. Tammany parishes, extending to Baton Rouge and parts of Mississippi.
How has the local community responded to the ‘Swamp Sweep’ operation?
The operation has raised concerns within local communities, particularly among Latino residents. Many families are taking precautionary measures, such as limiting public outings and arranging emergency childcare. Local advocacy groups are providing legal guidance and training on individual rights during enforcement actions. Some businesses have displayed signs prohibiting federal agents from entering their premises.
What is the stance of Louisiana’s state government on the ‘Swamp Sweep’ operation?
Louisiana’s state laws have increasingly aligned with federal immigration directives, including criminal penalties for individuals who obstruct federal enforcement efforts. Governor Jeff Landry has expressed support for the federal agents’ presence, welcoming the operation.
What is the broader context of the ‘Swamp Sweep’ operation?
The ‘Swamp Sweep’ operation is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to intensify immigration enforcement nationwide. Similar operations have been conducted in cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, North Carolina. The initiative has sparked debates over its impact on local economies, particularly in tourism-dependent areas like New Orleans, and raised civil rights concerns related to racial profiling and the use of force.
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