Story perspectives

Immigration Sweep Sparks Labor Shortages in Construction Industry

12/6/2025

Center

Catahoula Crunch Impact

Operation Catahoula Crunch, a federal immigration sweep led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New Orleans, is driving labor shortages and costs in construction.
Dan Mills, CEO of the Home Builders Association, says hiring has become difficult, with concerns among both documented and undocumented workers.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Louisiana State Police have launched a joint effort to deter assaults on federal officers.

Left

Border Patrol's Operation

U.S. Border Patrol will launch Operation Swamp Sweep in southeast Louisiana, adopting aggressive tactics similar to Chicago's Midway Blitz.
Local Hispanic-owned businesses are closing or limiting activities due to fears of immigration enforcement.
Governor Jeff Landry supports Operation Swamp Sweep, arguing Democrats are lenient on undocumented immigrants.
Studies show immigrants are less likely to commit crimes.
Law enforcement agencies are cooperating with federal agents, alarming immigrant rights advocates about safety.

History

Historical Context

Operation Wetback in 1954 led to the deportation of over one million Mexican immigrants, reflecting tensions between immigration enforcement and labor demands in the U.S. This historical backdrop echoes today’s Operation Catahoula Crunch, where federal sweeps in New Orleans exacerbate labor shortages in construction, raising fears among immigrant communities and threatening local businesses reliant on immigrant workers.

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Catahoula Crunch Impact

Operation Catahoula Crunch, a federal immigration sweep led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New Orleans, is driving labor shortages and costs in construction.
Dan Mills, CEO of the Home Builders Association, says hiring has become difficult, with concerns among both documented and undocumented workers.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Louisiana State Police have launched a joint effort to deter assaults on federal officers.

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