New Orleans Deserves Law Enforcement That Is “Fair, Focused, And Lawful”

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“New Orleans is a city with a soul. Our culture, our neighborhoods, our traditions, and our deep sense of community shape how we live and how we keep each other safe. Any law enforcement activity in our city, including federal operations, must honor that reality. It must reflect an understanding of our local laws, our norms, and our people.”

Of all the cities in the nation, New Orleans perhaps best exemplifies the virtues of the American melting pot. Just as our signature dish, gumbo, depends upon the many distinct ingredients and culinary styles that come together to create something rich, flavorful, and unsurpassed, New Orlean's beauty and strength comes from the interwoven cultures and traditions of its diverse population.

Any federal law enforcement operation in New Orleans, especially one focused on immigration, must respect those cultures and traditions.

This week, I was proud to stand with Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr., New Orleans Mayor-Elect Helena Moreno, New Orleans City Councilmembers, advocates from civil and immigration rights groups, and faith and other community leaders to demand transparency, safeguards against discriminatory enforcement, and humanitarian protections during the ongoing federal immigration sweep of Operation Catahoula Crunch.

Immigrant communities power New Orleans' hospitality industry, our restaurants, our music, and our traditions. When they suffer, the entire city suffers.  Local hotel operators and restaurateurs are already worried about staffing shortages due to fear of raids, which could impact tourism and Mardi Gras celebrations.

Immigration enforcement in New Orleans already has created fear and uncertainty among thousands of families in New Orleans. People are staying home, businesses are closing, and workers are afraid to show up—even those with legal status. 

This is not just an immigrant issue—it’s an economic issue. When immigrant workers disappear, restaurants close, hotels struggle, and tourism declines. That hurts every New Orleanian. 

Families are terrified of being torn apart. Many immigrants cannot “go back” because their countries are plagued by violence or instability. Deportation is not just relocation—it’s a life-threatening risk for many. 

Community organizations like Familias Unidas en Acción are stepping up to provide food and support, but they are no substitute for fair and humane policies.

These raids are part of a larger national trend of aggressive immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which has sparked protests and unrest in cities across the country.

I join Rep. Carter in requesting a full field hearing to be held in New Orleans so that local leaders can directly address and assess these pressing issues openly, among the people who are most affected.

Immigration is not a threat—it is a strength. America’s greatness comes from its diversity and its ability to welcome those seeking a better life.

We must reject fear-based policies and embrace solutions that keep families together, protect workers, and strengthen our economy. Immigration reform should reflect our values: fairness, opportunity, and respect for human dignity. New Orleans thrives when immigrants thrive. Protecting them protects the soul of our city—and the promise of our nation.

 
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            48TBE 12/6/25 ▪ 117 W. 125th Street ▪ New York, NY 10027 ▪ (212) 558-5300

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