Jonathan Escalante stands over the broken window of his mother’s car, which was shattered by federal immigration agents who took her away, during a federal immigration crackdown in Kenner, La., Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. Associated Press.
Federal immigration raids across southeast Louisiana have upended daily life for many Hispanic families. The immigration crackdown—concentrated in Kenner, a largely Hispanic community outside New Orleans—has removed parents from their homes, leaving teenagers to step into adult roles overnight.
A Mother Detained, a Teen Forced Into Adulthood
Vilma Cruz had just arrived at her new Louisiana rental home when federal agents surrounded her vehicle. The 38-year-old Honduran mother tried calling her oldest son before agents shattered a window and detained her.
Her arrest shifted the full weight of responsibilities onto 18-year-old Jonathan Escalante, a recent high school graduate. He now cares for his 9-year-old sister, who has a physical disability. Jonathan must access bank accounts, locate medical documents, and manage household bills—tasks his mother once handled alone.
“I’m not ready,” he said. “But I’ll take it on if I have to. I just want my mom back.”
Families Scramble Under the “Catahoula Crunch” Crackdown
The immigration crackdown, known as “Catahoula Crunch,” aims for 5,000 arrests. DHS claims it is targeting violent offenders, yet records reviewed by AP show that most early arrests involved individuals with no criminal history.
Fear spread quickly in Kenner. Before the raids began, many undocumented parents created emergency custody plans for their children. Advocacy groups helped families prepare documents in case of sudden detention.
“Children are going to school unsure whether their parents will be home later,” said Raiza Pitre of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana.
Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, breaking with his party, criticized the raids for causing labor shortages and creating fear among immigrants with legal work permits.
DHS Defends Arrests; Advocates See Racial Profiling
DHS said Cruz refused to exit her vehicle, forcing agents to break the window. She is now in federal custody awaiting removal proceedings.
Immigrant rights groups argue the crackdown is broad and indiscriminate, disproportionately targeting Hispanic neighborhoods. They warn of widespread family separation, with teens left to care for younger siblings alone.
Proaño of LULAC receives dozens of calls each day from terrified parents and children. He is guiding Escalante through the crisis, preparing him for the possibility that his mother could be held for months or deported.
Community Reactions Split on Deportation Effort
Cruz had no criminal history, according to local court records. Neighbors questioned her arrest.
“I support removing criminals,” said neighbor Kristi Rogers. “But I hope that’s all they’re targeting.”
Kenner’s police chief sees things differently. He called the immigration crackdown a “prayer answered,” citing a list of crimes involving undocumented suspects. He argued that unlicensed and uninsured immigrant drivers also pose risks.
Another Family Torn Apart by the Crackdown
In another Kenner household, 19-year-old Heylin Reyes watched federal agents detain her father, Jose Reyes, a Honduran construction worker who had lived in the U.S. for 16 years.
Video captured agents pulling him from his car as his young daughters screamed.
“He pays rent, buys food, covers the bills,” Heylin said. “They left us trying to figure out how to survive.”
DHS said Jose Reyes had committed a felony and had previously been deported, but provided no specifics.
The family still doesn’t know where he is being held. Heylin works in a restaurant, but her income cannot support three younger siblings.
Teens Struggle to Shield Children From Trauma
Young caregivers are trying to protect their siblings from the psychological toll of the immigration crackdown.
Heylin comforts her youngest sibling, who witnessed their father’s arrest. She is searching for a lawyer but cannot locate her father’s detention center.
Escalante, meanwhile, has not told his sister that their mother was detained. He hopes Cruz will be released before her absence becomes impossible to hide.
“I’m technically the adult now,” he said. “I have to make the hard choices.”
