NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Protesters filled the New Orleans City Council chamber Thursday to condemn a federal immigration operation underway in the city.
“If that means recording you, we’re recording you. If that means putting our bodies on the line, we will put our bodies on the line,” one protester said.
RELATED: DHS launches Operation Catahoula Crunch immigration sweep in New Orleans
Federal agents are detaining alleged undocumented immigrants across the New Orleans area as part of an operation called Catahoula Crunch. The Department of Homeland Security says it is targeting criminal illegal immigrants described as “the worst of the worst.”
New Orleans police removed about 30 protesters from the meeting, including one who was carried out. Demonstrators argued the raids could separate families and target people who pose no danger. They called on the city to designate all city property as ICE-free zones.
“Look what your money is going to, look what your energy and your time and your care are going towards,” another protester said.
City Council President JP Morrell and other council members announced a “Know Your Rights Portal,” an online resource offering guidance for residents if approached by immigration officials.
“We as a city are not collaborating with ICE,” Morrell said. “We’re trying to facilitate collecting that data to make sure that it’s easier to hold ICE to account when they actually violate civil rights through aggressive behavior, for example.”
The New Orleans Police Department said it is not involved in operations conducted by ICE, the Department of Homeland Security or Border Patrol. The U.S. Justice Department designates New Orleans as a sanctuary city.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell said the city will not assist in any law enforcement actions that go against public safety.
“The city of New Orleans stands in solidarity with every resident and making sure that they know their rights, and you know what, they all feel safe,” Cantrell said.
Morrell challenged that view.
“The idea that anyone would say that all communities in this city feel safe is completely false and detached from reality,” he said.
MORE: DHS announces arrests of six individuals with prior criminal convictions
City officials said they will continue monitoring for civil rights violations, while protesters vowed to remain at City Hall until the operation ends. Mayor-elect Helena Moreno also addressed Catahoula Crunch, saying the city has a duty to ensure due process for all residents.
The Know Your Rights Portal is available on the City Council’s website.
Know Your Rights – New Orleans City Council
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