Immigration Official Says 5,000 Arrests Are “Attainable,” Critics Question the Math
NEW ORLEANS, La. — A senior federal immigration official acknowledged this weekend that a reported goal of 5,000 arrests during an ongoing enforcement operation in the New Orleans area is an internal target discussed by authorities, fueling renewed debate over the scope and impact of the operation.
During a interview on Newsmax’s “Saturday Report,” Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino was asked about the reported arrest figure tied to a large-scale Department of Homeland Security operation in Louisiana. Bovino responded that the number was “something that we talked about” and said it was “definitely something that’s attainable.”
The operation, known as Operation Catahoula Crunch, began earlier this month and involves roughly 250 federal agents deployed across New Orleans and surrounding areas. Federal officials say the effort is focused on arresting undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions, including individuals accused of violent crimes.
However, early arrest figures reported by media outlets have shown far fewer detentions than the pace required to reach the 5,000-arrest benchmark, raising questions about whether the goal is realistic without expanding enforcement beyond violent offenders.
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Local officials and immigrant advocacy groups have criticized the operation, warning it is disrupting communities and businesses and could lead to racial profiling and arrests in routine public settings. Protests have been held in New Orleans, and city leaders have expressed concern about economic and social fallout.
Supporters of the operation, including conservative commentators and immigration hardliners, argue the enforcement push is necessary for public safety and praise Bovino’s leadership, framing the effort as part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration crackdown.
The New Orleans operation follows similar high-profile enforcement actions earlier this year in other major U.S. cities, which also drew sharp political backlash.
Federal authorities have not released a detailed timeline for the operation or clarified how long agents will remain in the region.
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