Louisiana AG urges NOPD to drop ‘sanctuary’ policies, cooperate with ICE

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Morell has recommended New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) Director Anne Kirkpatrick direct the agency to cooperate with federal immigration authorities following a major federal enforcement operation that led to the arrests of dozens of criminal illegal immigrants.

In a letter dated Friday to Kirkpatrick, Morrell said the department’s policies appear to conflict with state law and could be construed as “sanctuary” policies, which generally prohibit local authorities from cooperating with federal law enforcement in immigration matters.

“NOPD must make every effort to support enforcement of federal immigration law,” the letter read. “I look forward to working with you and NOPD to ensure its policies and procedures comply with state law.”

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“At this time, I recommend that NOPD officers and employees be immediately directed to fully cooperate with ICE and CBP,” she added, referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Fox News Digital has reached out to Kirkpatrick, ICE and CBP.

In 2024, Louisiana enacted a law prohibiting jurisdictions from adopting and enforcing sanctuary policies.

“As NOPD Superintendent, you are responsible for promulgating and implementing department policies,” the letter to Kirkpatrick said. “Policies that essentially require officers and employees to refuse to cooperate with ICE except in very limited circumstances violate Louisiana law and could expose the offender to criminal prosecution for violations.”

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Louisiana AG Liz Morell, right, urges New Orleans Police Department Director Anne Kirkpatrick to direct the department to cooperate with immigration authorities. (Getty Images)

The letter came amid a major federal crackdown on immigration in the Louisiana region, as well as backlash from anti-ICE advocates.

Thursday’s New Orleans City Council meeting was thrown into chaos as anti-ICE protesters stormed chambers, shouted down officials and clashed with police.

The explosion came one day after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Operation Catahoula Crunch, a two-month federal initiative to deploy 250 Border Patrol agents to New Orleans and surrounding areas.

The operation, which protesters referred to as “Sweep the Swamp,” intensified a backlash from immigrant rights groups and sparked growing unrest at City Hall.

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The Department of Homeland Security said the goal is to remove “criminal illegal aliens who roam freely thanks to sanctuary policies” that prevent local authorities from respecting detainees arrested by ICE.