A distinctive ‘voodoo doll’ resembling an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent was discovered recently in New Orleans, strapped to a tree and pierced with numerous pins. The discovery comes amidst an intensified federal immigration crackdown in the city, an operation that has prompted widespread concern and local resistance. This symbolic act has ignited a fresh wave of debate surrounding the contentious enforcement tactics employed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in Louisiana’s largest metropolitan area.

The doll, crafted from felt, depicted a masked figure wearing a black vest emblazoned with “ICE” and a matching hat. Its placement on a tree, deliberately punctured with dozens of pins, immediately drew attention. While voodoo traditions are historically prevalent in Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans, the individual or group responsible for creating and placing the doll remains unknown, adding an element of mystery to the politically charged landscape.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, a Republican, quickly reacted to the discovery, posting a photo of the doll on social media. Murrill suggested the act was a desperate measure by “pro-illegal immigration radicals” who were “losing the argument,” and linked it to alleged harassment of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, though specific evidence for this broader claim was not immediately provided. Her comments underscore the deep partisan divide surrounding immigration enforcement.

This incident unfolds against the backdrop of “Operation Catahoula Crunch,” a DHS initiative that commenced on December 3. The operation has resulted in more than 250 arrests across New Orleans and surrounding areas. Federal authorities assert that these raids primarily target “criminal illegal aliens” as part of a broader effort to enhance public safety and uphold immigration laws across the nation.

However, the aggressive federal deployment has sparked significant alarm and widespread protests within the New Orleans community. Mayor-elect Helena Moreno vocally condemned the operation, stating that it has fostered a “culture of fear” and caused “significant alarm” among residents. Her administration has since launched a “Know Your Rights” webpage, offering crucial advice to residents on how to interact with federal immigration agents and providing links to vital legal resources.

Further demonstrating local opposition, the New Orleans City Council has also established an online portal. This platform allows residents to report instances of alleged abuse or misconduct by federal agents during the ongoing immigration sweeps, providing a mechanism for accountability and transparency amidst the heightened enforcement activities.

Contrary to the DHS’s assertions that the raids primarily target individuals with criminal histories, law enforcement records obtained by The Associated Press challenge this narrative. An analysis of the first 38 arrests made during the New Orleans operation revealed that less than one-third of those detained had any prior criminal convictions, raising questions about the true focus and scope of the enforcement efforts.

State Senator Royce Duplessis, a Democrat representing New Orleans, strongly criticized the findings, asserting that the data “confirms what we already knew — this was not about public safety, it’s about stoking chaos and fear and terrorizing communities.” Duplessis argued that such operations perpetuate “a sick narrative of stereotypes that immigrants are violent,” further alienating and marginalizing vulnerable populations.

This pattern observed in New Orleans appears consistent with broader national trends. Data compiled by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a non-profit data-gathering organization, indicates that as of November 30, approximately 73 percent of individuals held in ICE detention facilities across the United States have no criminal convictions, highlighting a systemic issue in federal immigration enforcement practices.

The discovery of the symbolic doll, therefore, encapsulates the intense emotions and deep-seated frustrations surrounding federal immigration policies. As “Operation Catahoula Crunch” continues without an announced end date, the situation in New Orleans remains a focal point for the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement, community rights, and the balance between federal authority and local autonomy.

Read Original

Keywords: ICE agent, voodoo doll, New Orleans, immigration crackdown, Operation Catahoula Crunch, Department of Homeland Security, immigration arrests, Know Your Rights