KENNER, La. (AP) — Vilma Cruz, a mother of two, had just arrived at her newly leased Louisiana home this week when federal agents surrounded her vehicle in the driveway. She had just enough time to call her oldest son before they smashed the passenger window and detained her.
The 38-year-old Honduran house painter was swept up in an immigration crackdown that has largely targeted Kenner, a Hispanic enclave just outside New Orleans, where some parents at risk of deportation had rushed to arrange emergency custody plans for their children in case they were arrested.
Federal agents have made more than 250 arrests this month across southeast Louisiana, according to the Department of Homeland Security. This is part of a series of enforcement operations that have unfolded in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Many families are now left with teenagers rushing to assume parental roles and care for their siblings.
Cruz’s detention forced her son, Jonathan Escalante, an 18-year-old U.S. citizen, to care for his 9-year-old sister, who has a physical disability. Escalante is now trying to access his mother’s bank account, locate his sister’s medical records, and determine how to pay bills in his mother’s name.
“Honestly I’m not ready, having to take care of all of these responsibilities,” Escalante told The Associated Press. “But I’m willing to take them on if I have to. And I’m just praying that I get my mom back.”
The crackdown, dubbed “Catahoula Crunch,” aims for 5,000 arrests. DHS claims it is targeting violent offenders but has released minimal details about those arrested. Records found that most detained lacked any criminal histories.
As fear escalates in the community, families without legal status are scrambling to make emergency arrangements, aided by advocacy groups.
“Children are going to school unsure whether their parents will be home at the end of the day,” road fellow community leader Raiza Pitre.
Overall, the crackdown has left many families in fear, grappling with the stress of potential deportation and the immediate need to care for their loved ones.
The 38-year-old Honduran house painter was swept up in an immigration crackdown that has largely targeted Kenner, a Hispanic enclave just outside New Orleans, where some parents at risk of deportation had rushed to arrange emergency custody plans for their children in case they were arrested.
Federal agents have made more than 250 arrests this month across southeast Louisiana, according to the Department of Homeland Security. This is part of a series of enforcement operations that have unfolded in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Many families are now left with teenagers rushing to assume parental roles and care for their siblings.
Cruz’s detention forced her son, Jonathan Escalante, an 18-year-old U.S. citizen, to care for his 9-year-old sister, who has a physical disability. Escalante is now trying to access his mother’s bank account, locate his sister’s medical records, and determine how to pay bills in his mother’s name.
“Honestly I’m not ready, having to take care of all of these responsibilities,” Escalante told The Associated Press. “But I’m willing to take them on if I have to. And I’m just praying that I get my mom back.”
The crackdown, dubbed “Catahoula Crunch,” aims for 5,000 arrests. DHS claims it is targeting violent offenders but has released minimal details about those arrested. Records found that most detained lacked any criminal histories.
As fear escalates in the community, families without legal status are scrambling to make emergency arrangements, aided by advocacy groups.
“Children are going to school unsure whether their parents will be home at the end of the day,” road fellow community leader Raiza Pitre.
Overall, the crackdown has left many families in fear, grappling with the stress of potential deportation and the immediate need to care for their loved ones.
