National Guard Deployment Ramps Up Enforcement In New Orleans and Minneapolis
Federal agents have begun a major enforcement operation in New Orleans, causing fear and uncertainty among the city’s immigrant communities. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has confirmed that the National Guard will be sent to support the federal effort, a major step up in the Trump administration’s nationwide immigration campaign.
While federal officials say they are targeting violent criminals, local leaders and residents are concerned that the operation will also affect families and workers who have lived in the city for years.
National Guard Deployed Amid Rising Tensions in New Orleans
Governor Landry, a strong supporter of the Trump Administration, has been planning for this for weeks. He said the goal is to get the “worst of the worst” off the streets.
“It started today, and it’s going to run until we get them all off the street,” Landry said in a radio interview.
The Governor said he expects National Guard troops to arrive before Christmas to help fight crime in the city. New Orleans has relied heavily on immigrant labor, especially during the rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina.
Federal officials claim these tough measures are necessary because of local “sanctuary” policies, which they say stop local police from working with federal immigration agents.
Minneapolis’s Somali Community Also in the Crosshairs
At the same time, a similar operation is happening in Minneapolis, specifically targeting the Somali immigrant community. This comes after President Trump made inflammatory comments about Somali immigrants during a Cabinet meeting.
The comments and the subsequent enforcement action have shocked Minnesota, which is home to the world’s largest Somali population outside of Somalia. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has expressed serious concerns about civil rights violations.
“To our Somali community, we love you and we stand with you,” Frey said. “Targeting Somali people means that due process will be violated, mistakes will be made. It means American citizens will be detained for no other reason than the fact that they look like they are Somali. That is not now and will never be a legitimate reason.”
A Timeline of Recent Federal Immigration Actions
Operations in New Orleans and Minneapolis are part of a larger strategy by the administration to use federal agents and military resources in major US cities. Here’s a look at recent federal actions:
- June 2025 – Los Angeles: The National Guard was sent in after protests against immigration sweeps but was later withdrawn due to court challenges.
- June 2025 – Portland: Protests outside ICE facilities led President Trump to threaten to send in troops.
- September 2025 – Memphis: Governor Bill Lee agreed to use the National Guard to help federal agencies, but a judge temporarily stopped their involvement.
- September 2025 – Chicago: Federal agents used chemical agents and helicopters in aggressive operations, leading to over 3,000 arrests.
- November 2025 – Charlotte: Federal agents in tactical gear were seen across the city, with arrests reported in public areas.
- December 2025 – New Orleans: The Department of Homeland Security began a crackdown aiming for 5,000 arrests, with Governor Landry preparing National Guard support.
- December 2025 – Minneapolis: Around 100 ICE officers were deployed to target Somali immigrants after the president’s remarks.
