Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced Friday she sent a letter to New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, advising her to have NOPD cooperate with the federal immigration enforcement surge known as "Operation Catahoula Crunch."
"I recommend that Superintendent Kirkpatrick immediately direct NOPD officers and staff to fully cooperate with ICE and Border Patrol," said Murrill. "Because we have a common interest in the safety and security of all New Orleans residents, I look forward to working with her and NOPD to ensure its policies and actions comply with state law."
New Orleans mayor-elect Helena Moreno said the chief will always comply with the law.
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"Chief Kirkpatrick is following all the laws," said Moreno. "Her job is to move forward with criminal laws, state and local criminal laws."
Moreno said the emphasis is on "criminal."
"Immigration matters are civil matters, and that is not under the jurisdiction of the New Orleans Police Department," said Moreno.
Kirkpatrick has said multiple times that if federal immigration authorities need help in serving a criminal warrant, the NOPD stands ready to assist.