ICE in Louisiana: How to Prepare for Border Patrol Activity in New Orleans

Communities across Louisiana are anxious as reports confirm increased ICE and Border Patrol activity in New Orleans. We understand how stressful it is when daily routines feel uncertain and families worry about unexpected encounters.

ICE in Louisiana can lead to sudden enforcement activity, so knowing your rights, preparing documents, and staying informed helps you stay safe. Understanding the current situation is the key to responding confidently during Border Patrol operations.

Our team stays updated on local enforcement patterns and provides accurate guidance rooted in real legal practice, not rumor or fear. With this foundation, we will walk you through clear steps, practical precautions, and the support available to families across southeast Louisiana.

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS DETAINED BY ICE, CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY. WE WILL FIGHT FOR THE RIGHTS YOU DESERVE.

Key Points: ICE in Louisiana

• ICE and Border Patrol operations are active in southeast Louisiana, and residents should stay informed through reliable local sources.
• Preparation matters, from carrying key documents to knowing your rights during any encounter.
• Legal guidance helps families reduce risk, avoid mistakes, and understand the safest next steps during enforcement activity.

Why ICE and Border Patrol Are Operating in Louisiana Right Now

Louisiana residents have noticed an unusual increase in immigration enforcement activity across New Orleans, raising concerns about what prompted this shift. Federal agencies have launched a coordinated operation, often described as “Catahoula Crunch,” which brings ICE and Border Patrol teams into several southeast Louisiana communities.

This activity is tied to broader national enforcement priorities and is not random or isolated. As the operation continues, families may see more marked (and unmarked) vehicles, more officers in neighborhoods, and more direct encounters during day-to-day routines.

For immigrant communities, that creates real fear about work, school and daily routines. Staying informed, knowing your rights and having a plan is the most effective way to respond to these updates on ICE in Louisiana. If you have questions about how enforcement may affect your status, our team handles a wide range of immigration matters for people across the state.

What is “Catahoula Crunch?”

According to the Department of Homeland and Security (DHS), this is an operation targeting immigrant criminals. More than 200 federal agents have been dispatched to complete their goal to arrest over 5,000 criminal illegal aliens.

Unfortunately, many of the local news sources are reporting that a good portion of those that are being detained by ICE are day laborers and those without criminal record. Many are being followed and chased based on speculation.

One viral example happened December 4th 2025, as a 22 year old U.S. born woman was chased by masked ICE agents in front of her home in Marrero.

How to Prepare for ICE or Border Patrol in New Orleans

When enforcement activity rises across southeast Louisiana, preparation becomes your strongest protection. A clear, written safety plan helps you safeguard your family, organize your documents and maintain peace of mind during unexpected visits or neighborhood activity in New Orleans.

Use this simple checklist to get ready in a practical, organized way:

• Gather key documents in one safe place, such as passports, work permits, birth certificates, court papers and proof of time in the United States. Keep copies with a trusted friend or family member.
• Create a family contact plan so everyone knows who to call if someone is detained. Make sure older children know one or two important phone numbers by memory.
• Choose a primary caregiver for your children and write down your wishes. Include school pickup plans and medical needs so there is less confusion in an emergency.
• Memorize your attorney’s number or keep it in your wallet. Having a Louisiana immigration lawyer ready can save time if you are taken into custody. (ours is 225-341-6945)
• Avoid carrying false documents or giving any untrue information to officers. Lying can create bigger legal problems than your current status.
• Talk to your family in advance about what to do if ICE or Border Patrol comes to the home or workplace so nobody panics or runs. Staying calm is a form of protection.
• Review your options for visas, work permits or family petitions so you are not waiting for a crisis before taking action.

These steps cover both how to prepare for ICE in Louisiana and how to prepare for Border Patrol in Louisiana in a way that is realistic and protective, not fearful. If you are unsure what kind of plan fits your situation, you can review our immigration resources or speak directly with our team about your next steps.

Knowing Your Rights During ICE or Border Patrol Encounters

Seeing immigration officers in your neighborhood can create real fear and uncertainty, especially when Louisiana communities are experiencing sudden increases in Border Patrol presence. You cannot control when an encounter happens, but you can control how you respond, what you say and which rights you decide to exercise. Understanding those rights ahead of time helps you stay steady and protected.

Keep these core rights in mind during any encounter in the United States:

• You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, how you entered the country, or your immigration status. You can clearly say that you choose to remain silent.
• You have the right to ask for a lawyer. You can say that you want to speak with an attorney before answering questions or signing anything. You can also ask to call your immigration lawyer in Louisiana if you have one.
• You do not have to open the door to your home unless officers show a warrant signed by a judge with your correct name and address. You may ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window.
• Do not sign documents you do not understand. Signing the wrong paper can affect your ability to stay in the United States in the future. You can ask for time to speak to a lawyer first.
• You have the right to stay calm and not run. Running or arguing may increase risk for everyone around you. Using your rights in a clear, respectful way is more effective.

These basic protections apply across the United States, whether you are in New Orleans, Baton Rouge or a smaller Louisiana community. If something happens and you feel your rights were not respected, it is important to write down what occurred and speak with an attorney as quickly as you can.

How an Immigration Lawyer in Louisiana Can Help Protect Your Family

An experienced immigration lawyer in Louisiana can guide you through rising ICE and Border Patrol activity by reviewing your status, explaining your risks and identifying options that may protect you before a surprise encounter. We assess your full history to see whether you may qualify for family petitions, work permits, humanitarian protections or future citizenship, then help you create a written safety plan with key documents and emergency contacts.

If someone is detained during the “Catahoula Crunch,” legal counsel can track their location, communicate with officers and pursue bond when possible. Having a lawyer at your side reduces delays, avoids common mistakes and strengthens your rights at every stage.

Remember: you do not need to wait for an arrest to ask for help. You can learn more about our immigration services: we specialize in green cards, detention centers, and long term options like citizenship and naturalization, or request a confidential consultation to talk through your specific situation.

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS DETAINED BY ICE, CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY. WE WILL FIGHT FOR THE RIGHTS YOU DESERVE.

Now is the time to get clear guidance and steady support. Our team is here to answer your questions, protect your rights and help you prepare with confidence. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation and speak with an experienced immigration attorney who will walk you through your next steps.