Story perspectives

Immigrant Community Fears Federal Raids Ahead of Mardi Gras

12/3/2025

Center

Immigrants Fear Raids

Anticipated federal raids in New Orleans have generated fear in the immigrant community, causing some workers to stay home.
Mercedes Deloach, an immigration attorney, says operations have begun behind closed doors.
Marcela Hernandez of Familias Unidas en Accion reports deportation fears tied to unstable conditions in home countries.
Local hotels warn of staffing shortages ahead of Mardi Gras.
The community is mobilizing to support those staying at home.

Left

Activists Protest Raids

Protests began in New Orleans on December 1, 2025, against deploying 250 Border Patrol agents for Operation Swamp Sweep, with demonstrators braving heavy rain.
Activists say the operation aims to arrest 5,000 after a Gretna raid that produced five arrests.
Protesters vowed to continue organizing against federal immigration enforcement, arguing immigrants are vital to the city's fabric.

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Immigrants Fear Raids

Anticipated federal raids in New Orleans have generated fear in the immigrant community, causing some workers to stay home.
Mercedes Deloach, an immigration attorney, says operations have begun behind closed doors.
Marcela Hernandez of Familias Unidas en Accion reports deportation fears tied to unstable conditions in home countries.
Local hotels warn of staffing shortages ahead of Mardi Gras.
The community is mobilizing to support those staying at home.

1 / 2