Kenner, Louisiana, located just west of New Orleans. More recently, it has become the newest flashpoint for federal immigration enforcement overreach. Kenner, the state’s most Hispanic city, where Hispanics are the majority of the population, has seen a massive, violent upheaval. Daily life and unique local businesses are being killed by these shortsighted moves. About 30% of Kenner’s population is Hispanic, and many local residents worry about their safety after a series of recent aggressive crackdowns.
Instead, the Department of Homeland Security has already kicked off immigration enforcement raids in Kenner. This new initiative is part of a broader movement across cities to adopt similar measures, including in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Charlotte. Federal vehicles now patrol Kenner’s main commercial streets much more frequently. This increased visibility has many residents feeling fearful.
Sergio Perez has resided in Kenner since 2010, and his family is his absolute world. He’s concerned that many of them lack the legal authority to remain in the country. These increased practices have placed immigrant families on edge, fearing the day their loved one is taken into custody or deported.
“They don’t ask for documents. They don’t investigate. They slap the handcuffs on them and take them away.” – Carmela Diaz
Carmela Diaz arrived from El Salvador in 2006, and now owns a successful taco joint in Kenner. She tells us that her business has been devastated by the effects of the latest enforcement change. On those days, she’s been down to no sales as patrons are forced to remain home, afraid of being rounded up by immigration agents. In order to maintain her business, Diaz has done home deliveries to people who can’t go outside out of fear.
The city’s economy, which was already struggling, faces further devastation as many Hispanic-owned businesses like Diaz’s grapple with declining patronage. It feels like the local community has changed completely. This fear now infects a community that has long boasted its diversity as one of its greatest strengths and cultural contributions.
Kenner’s police force plays an active role in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement 287(g) program. This program allows them to jail people who could be deported. This partnership has alarmed residents that say they are more at risk than ever from a sudden and severe enforcement penalty. Diaz brings to light the vicious realities that immigrants are facing with the current climate.
In recent statements regarding immigration enforcement, Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for ICE, asserted that the agency’s operations have targeted violent criminals.
“In just 24 hours on the ground, our law enforcement officers have arrested violent criminals with rap sheets that include homicide, kidnapping, child abuse, robbery, theft, and assault.” – Tricia McLaughlin
Each of these reforms, McLaughlin said, is meant to improve public safety by getting people who threaten communities out from behind the wheel. Many in Kenner have countered that the collateral damage of these nervous breakdowns operations falls mostly on innocent residents and local businesses.
The newly-elected administration of Mayor Michael Glaser has refused to discuss what the mayor plans to do with the immigration enforcement operation. This lack of transparency further adds to residents’ confusion over the city’s level of support and protection during these unprecedented times.
As Kenner endures this new reality, community members like Perez and Diaz continue to advocate for understanding and compassion toward those affected by severe immigration policies. Like Reggie, they all look forward to the day when fear is no longer a part of their everyday lives or business practices.
