Border Patrol Launches “Swamp Sweep” in Louisiana, Targets 5,000 Arrests

URGENT UPDATE: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed a major immigration operation dubbed “Swamp Sweep” set to launch on December 1, 2023, in Louisiana. Governor Kristi Noem will deploy approximately 250 Border Patrol agents to New Orleans, aiming for a staggering 5,000 arrests over the next two months.

This aggressive initiative reflects President Donald Trump’s intensified efforts to meet a grim deportation benchmark of 3,000 removals per day. According to internal documents reviewed by the Associated Press, the operation will see agents spread from New Orleans into surrounding parishes, including Jefferson, St. Bernard, and St. Tammany, extending north toward Baton Rouge and into Mississippi.

Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, known for leading controversial operations in cities like Los Angeles and Charlotte, has been tasked with overseeing this mission. The operation is set against a backdrop of escalating pressure from Trump administration officials, including Deputy Press Secretary Stephen Miller, who have reportedly threatened job security for failing to meet arrest quotas.

Logistical preparations are underway, with agents expected to arrive in Louisiana as early as Friday to stage equipment before the full operation begins. A Navy base south of New Orleans will serve as a command post, storing vehicles and munitions, including tear gas and pepper balls.

The operation will also utilize the controversial Angola prison, recently branded “Louisiana Lockup,” to detain individuals. This facility, which had faced severe criticism in the past for security issues, is now positioned to house what officials describe as the “worst of the worst.” Reports indicate the prison held just five inmates as of mid-September, raising questions about its current capacity.

Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country,” but declined to provide specific details about the operation or the number of detainees at Angola.

This ambitious sweep is likely to stir significant public response, especially in a state like Louisiana, where political affiliations vary widely. Governor Jeff Landry, a Trump ally, stands as a pivotal figure as the operation unfolds.

As the deadline approaches, attention will focus on the impact of this operation on the local community and the broader implications for immigration enforcement across the United States. With heightened scrutiny and public interest, this situation is developing rapidly and will continue to be monitored closely.