By Rachael Jeanfreau and Kenneth Nilsson
Since early December of 2025, over 200 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents, including agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), have been active throughout southeast Louisiana in “Operation Catahoula Crunch,” a major immigration enforcement action. So far, according to the Department, more than 250 “criminal illegal aliens” have been arrested out of the 5,000 total arrests the Department hopes to make.
Employers in diverse industries across the economy have felt major impacts, including those in manufacturing and industrial sectors, construction, retail, and hotels/restaurants/tourism, as well as third-party staffing agencies who provide workers to employers. In addition to the detention of undocumented employees and workers, many employers now face staffing shortages and slow-downs because Hispanic/Latino employees who are authorized to work — but who fear being detained or arrested — remain at home. Similarly, retailers have suffered losses during what would normally be a busy holiday shopping season, as the foot traffic in stores has sharply decreased.
Now more than ever, businesses must take important steps to ensure compliance with immigration and labor and employment laws. Employers should conduct internal self-audits to ensure they are in compliance with Form I-9 requirements, and they should work only with reputable staffing agencies and third-party contractors who also comply with the Form I-9 rules. While not required for most private employers in Louisiana, employers may also wish to enroll and participate in the federally recommended E-Verify system. Finally, businesses would be wise to know how to respond in the event of ICE activity on their premises, including developing in advance an internal response plan.
Employers should consult with their labor and employment counsel to discuss assessing the risks to their particular business, ensuring compliance with applicable laws through a tailored approach, and continuing to foster a safe and secure work environment.
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