A Cuban national with a significant criminal history was taken into custody in New Orleans by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authorities during the "Operation Catahoula Crunch," which commenced this week in the Louisiana city.
The federal agency identified the individual as Jorge Vierra Serrano in a social media post on X, alongside a video of the arrest, captioned with "Another rapist behind bars."
In the footage, plainclothes federal agents escort the Cuban man, who is handcuffed and shackled at the ankles.
According to official reports, Vierra Serrano has been convicted of forcible rape and burglary in Louisiana. Following his arrest, deportation proceedings have begun.
"If you are a criminal illegal alien, no matter where you're from, we will send you back to your country," warned the DHS.
Operation Catahoula Crunch Targets Criminal Immigrants
National Security authorities launched a federal crackdown in New Orleans, Louisiana, on December 3, under the code name "Operation Catahoula Crunch."
A statement on the agency's website declared the operation targets "criminal illegal immigrants roaming freely" in the city, blaming "sanctuary policies that compel local authorities to ignore U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest and detainer orders."
The DHS argues that these restrictions on cooperation between local law enforcement and federal agencies allow "murderers to walk free" and many others to be released from jail.
Criticism of Sanctuary Policies
"The objectives of Catahoula Crunch include violent offenders released after being arrested for home invasion, armed robbery, car theft, and rape," stated DHS Deputy Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. "It's outrageous that these criminals have been released back onto the streets of New Orleans to commit more crimes and create more victims."
The agency released profiles of several apprehended individuals at the start of the operation, labeling them as "some of the worst criminal illegal immigrants released back onto the streets of Louisiana."
This Thursday, the DHS continued publicizing cases of undocumented migrants with convictions for serious crimes, like Cuban national Vierra Serrano. His arrest comes amidst the Trump administration's heightened crackdown on illegal immigration, which not only targets the arrest and deportation of violent foreign offenders but also those in various stages of their immigration processes who haven't committed crimes.
FAQs on Operation Catahoula Crunch and Immigration Policies
What is Operation Catahoula Crunch?
Operation Catahoula Crunch is a federal law enforcement initiative launched by the DHS in New Orleans, targeting criminal illegal immigrants in response to sanctuary policies that hinder cooperation between local and federal authorities.
Why was Jorge Vierra Serrano arrested?
Jorge Vierra Serrano, a Cuban national, was arrested due to his criminal history, including convictions for forcible rape and burglary in Louisiana, as part of the DHS's Operation Catahoula Crunch.
How does the DHS justify its actions against sanctuary policies?
The DHS argues that sanctuary policies prevent local authorities from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement, leading to the release of dangerous criminals back into communities.