Kristi Noem Orders 250 Border Agents for Urgent Louisiana Sweep

UPDATE: South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has ordered approximately 250 Border Patrol agents to converge on New Orleans starting December 1 for a two-month immigration operation dubbed “Swamp Sweep.” This ambitious initiative aims to achieve around 5,000 arrests as part of an escalation in federal immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump.

According to internal documents obtained by the Associated Press, Gregory Bovino, a seasoned Border Patrol commander with a controversial history, has been designated to lead this operation. The sweep will extend beyond New Orleans into surrounding areas, including Jefferson, St. Bernard, and St. Tammany parishes, reaching north towards Baton Rouge and into Mississippi.

The operation marks a significant move in Trump’s push to meet a daunting deportation target of 3,000 removals per day. Senior aides, including Stephen Miller, have put pressure on field commanders to meet this goal, intensifying scrutiny on federal immigration strategies.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to utilize a portion of the FBI’s New Orleans field office as the command center for this operation, while a naval base south of the city will house vehicles, equipment, and substantial supplies of tear gas and pepper-ball munitions. Agents are expected to arrive as early as this Friday, preparing for a coordinated effort before the Thanksgiving holiday.

A key element of the operation is the Angola prison, often referred to as “Louisiana Lockup.” Recently reopened, this facility has been allocated for detaining undocumented immigrants, with prior reports suggesting it currently holds a minimal number of inmates.

Noem, often referred to as “ICE Barbie,” has publicly stated her hope that the looming threat of incarceration at Angola will motivate illegal immigrants to self-deport. The controversial facility has faced criticism due to its history of security failures and staff shortages.

In an official statement, Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Homeland Security Secretary, emphasized that the DHS enforces immigration laws nationwide but declined to disclose specifics about the operation or the current inmate population at Angola.

The urgency of this operation is underscored by the political landscape in Louisiana, where Governor Jeff Landry is a staunch ally of Trump. With the state having a significant Republican presence, the operation’s implications could resonate deeply with local communities, particularly those in historically Democratic areas like New Orleans.

The Swamp Sweep operation highlights the administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement, leveraging Bovino’s controversial track record in prior operations. He has faced criticism for misleading judicial authorities during past missions, which involved aggressive tactics that provoked public outcry.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Louisiana to see how this operation unfolds and what impact it will have on local communities. The results of the Swamp Sweep could redefine the immigration enforcement landscape in the region and set a precedent for future operations.

Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.