More than two dozen people are now in immigration detention after a large-scale enforcement operation across multiple Louisiana cities.
The FBI’s New Orleans Division, along with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), carried out arrests in different parts of the state from April 14 to April 18, 2025.
According to an official statement from the FBI, 31 individuals were taken into custody during the operation. The enforcement action was based on directives from a recent Executive Order and guidance from the U.S. Attorney General.
The arrests happened in several cities and parishes, including Shreveport, Lafayette, New Iberia, St. Mary Parish, Crowley, Covington, Gretna, Harvey, and Kenner. The authorities confirmed that all individuals were taken into custody without any public safety issues or resistance.
Among those arrested in the Greater New Orleans area were three individuals suspected to be members of Tren de Aragua, also known as TdA.
This group is a criminal organization originally formed in Venezuela and is now considered to have a growing presence across parts of South and Central America. U.S. law enforcement agencies are now seeing possible links between the group and organized crime activity within U.S. borders.
Tren de Aragua has been known for its involvement in illegal activities like drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, and other forms of violent crime.
The group has reportedly expanded its network in recent years, raising concerns among international law enforcement bodies.
At the time of the arrests, all individuals were transferred to ICE custody and are now waiting for further processing. No injuries or dangerous confrontations were reported during the operation.
The agencies involved emphasized that public safety was not threatened at any point.
This crackdown is part of a wider effort to prevent suspected criminal networks from gaining a foothold in the United States. With increased coordination between local and federal law enforcement, more operations of this kind are expected in the coming months.
Federal officials have not yet shared detailed information on the charges these individuals may face or what their immigration status is. It is also unclear at this time how long they will be held or when legal proceedings will begin.
The news of these arrests comes shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked new deportations under a law dating back to the 18th century.
This legal move adds another layer of complexity to the immigration enforcement landscape, as officials try to balance public safety and legal procedure.
For now, the FBI and ICE are continuing their joint efforts to track and disrupt criminal organizations that may threaten national security. The investigation is ongoing, and updates are expected as authorities gather more evidence.