NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The Department of Homeland Security launched “Operation Catahoula Crunch” in New Orleans, targeting migrant criminals released from jail due to sanctuary policies.

The sweep focuses on individuals who were released by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, which does not honor federal requests to hold migrants beyond their release dates. The policy was adopted more than a decade ago in response to a federal civil rights lawsuit.

DHS says many of the targeted individuals were initially arrested on charges of home invasion, armed robbery, and rape.

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