Congressman Troy Carter of New Orleans and Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson, the ranking Democrat on the House committee that has oversight immigration enforcement, held a field hearing in New Orleans today on Operation Catahoula Crunch, the immigration enforcement sweeps that began in December.
Carter said if the Trump administration really wants to round up the "worst of the worst," they should work with locals.
"Our communities are not a stage for political theater. If the administration truly wants to help, we have lots of ways," said Carter. "Share the operational plans. Respect local laws and leadership. Work with us, not around us."
Carter said New Orleans is usually welcoming of partnership with federal authorities, but not of occupation.
The operations slowed down when the federal government surged immigration agents to Minnesota.