Louisiana
Louisiana communities brace for federal immigration crackdown amid uncertainty
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – More than 200 federal agents are expected to descend on south Louisiana in the coming days, according to Associated Press sources, in an operation aimed at cracking down on undocumented immigrants in the state.
But a local criminologist says much remains unknown about the operation, which the AP reports is being called “Swamp Sweep.”
“How are you even identifying people who are illegal or un-legal is the primary question,” said Dr. Ashraf Esmail of Dillard University.
Earlier this week, FOX 8 asked U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., where he stands on the anticipated arrival of federal agents in his home state.
MORE: Federal immigration operation targets New Orleans area
“So, I agree with President Trump, we’ve got to crack down on the criminals who are [here] illegally, and I think it’s important to note that this problem dates back to the Biden administration. And I think there is a valid concern that some people being picked up are like not members of Tren de Aragua,” Cassidy said.
This week, NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick made it clear that immigration enforcement is not her department’s responsibility.
“I, you know, think the recent actions of the consent decree, etc. I think we’ve developed that trust, and I think if you ask the general public, they’re obviously against what’s going on, and I think we’re going to follow Chief Kirkpatrick in that we don’t want to be involved in this,” Esmail said.
FOX 8 also asked the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office if it would assist federal immigration authorities by detaining individuals arrested for being in the country without authorization. A spokesperson said no one was available to speak on the matter.
However, Sheriff-elect Michelle Woodfork, who takes office in January, did respond.
Hispanic churches brace for Border Patrol operation in Louisiana
“As a law enforcement professional, I will always uphold and follow the law. What I can promise is that as sheriff, every person housed at OJC will be treated with dignity, respect, and humanity,” Woodfork said.
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office said it “will not comment on an operation conducted by another agency,” according to a prepared statement provided to FOX 8.
FOX 8 did not receive a response from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have also not released any details about the operation.
“Yes, they want to keep it private, but I think also again we’re at this time in New Orleans where we’re trying to again develop that trust and safety,” Esmail said.
Massive raids in other cities have led to large protests.
InspireNOLA CEO says schools will not allow immigration raids
“The way this is being conducted in other cities doesn’t seem, you know, people are like this is not the proper way of doing this, where people again are being stopped, arrested, not being charged, let go,” Esmail said.
“Local law enforcement counts on having a relationship with members of communities as part of their law enforcement,” he added.
“Violence is down, the last two or three years heading in a very positive direction, and so you don’t want this to kind of come down where it’s again violence starts, people are chaotic, people are nervous, etc.,” Esmail said.
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Yasin Gungor
19 April 2026•Update: 19 April 2026
At least eight children were killed and two others were wounded in a shooting in the US state of Louisiana, local police said Sunday.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said officers responded to the shooting just after 6 am (1100GMT), following a domestic disturbance call.
The age of the deceased ranged from one to 14 years, he said, adding that the incident involved at least 10 individuals across four separate locations.
The suspect attempted to flee by carjacking a vehicle and driving to neighboring Bossier City, where police located and shot him dead.
Bordelon said Shreveport police officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle into Bossier, where three officers discharged their firearms, killing him. He said investigators believe the suspect was the only person who opened fire at the locations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the attack as “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” adding: “It’s a terrible morning.”
No immediate information was available about the condition of the injured.
Louisiana
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A Washington think tank proposed capping annual Social Security benefits at $100,000 for couples as a way to shrink a looming deficit in the retirement trust fund.
When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
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