Story perspectives

New Orleans Immigrant Arrested Amid Controversial Operation

12/8/2025

Summary

Reyes Detained During Crackdown

In New Orleans, Jose Reyes, a Honduran immigrant, was arrested during Operation Catahoula Crunch.
Reyes's family says he has legal status and a work permit, but they struggle to obtain information about his detention.
Local attorney Kathleen Gasparian says families face difficulties accessing immigration records.
U.S. President Donald Trump aims to arrest 5,000 individuals, a target local leaders say is unrealistic and harmful to families.

History

Historical Context

Operation Wetback, initiated in 1954, resulted in the deportation of approximately 1.3 million undocumented Mexican immigrants amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment. This operation echoed earlier deportations during the Great Depression, when an estimated 355,000 to 2 million Mexicans were repatriated. Today, similar tactics in Operation Catahoula Crunch raise concerns about immigration policies and the treatment of families like that of Jose Reyes.

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Reyes Detained During Crackdown

In New Orleans, Jose Reyes, a Honduran immigrant, was arrested during Operation Catahoula Crunch.
Reyes's family says he has legal status and a work permit, but they struggle to obtain information about his detention.
Local attorney Kathleen Gasparian says families face difficulties accessing immigration records.
U.S. President Donald Trump aims to arrest 5,000 individuals, a target local leaders say is unrealistic and harmful to families.

1 / 2