A raid (labor enforcement operation) conducted by ICE New Orleans resulted in the arrest of 15 undocumented immigrants on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at a construction site in the New Orleans metropolitan area. The raid, conducted in conjunction with other federal and local agencies, is part of a series of surprise inspections targeting sectors where illegal employment is suspected.
According to the official statement, upon the arrival of the agents, several workers attempted to escape from the site, running through the terrain and, in some surprising cases, climbing trees to hide. However, they were located and taken into custody shortly thereafter. The detainees are citizens of Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, and are being prosecuted for violations of federal immigration laws. ICE is also investigating whether the contracting company had knowledge of the workers’ immigration status and whether it engaged in labor or criminal violations.
Objectives of the labor raids
Buzzy
ICE justified this raid as part of its efforts to combat illegal employment.
They argued that such practices not only affect the U.S. labor market, but also create national security risks and labor exploitation.
“Running is not going to save them. We will continue these actions,” an ICE spokesperson said in a brief but forceful statement.
Referring to the attempted escape of several of the workers.
This type of operation has been a source of debate within the U.S. immigrant community.
Especially in southern states such as Louisiana, where thousands of Hispanics work in sectors such as construction, landscaping and cleaning, often in precarious working conditions.
Concern in the Hispanic community
Pro-immigrant organizations have expressed concern about the increase in labor raids in 2025.
They argue that criminalizing the worker instead of holding companies accountable deepens the fear and lack of protection for migrants.
Running won't save them. We will continue these actions
ICE
Meanwhile, the 15 detainees in the raid remain in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pending their immigration hearing.
In some cases, they could be deported expeditiously if it is confirmed that they already have prior departure orders or no pending asylum applications.
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