Greg LaRose, KALB’s Political Analyst, shared, “I think you’re seeing Louisiana show up more in the ongoing immigration court battles because the Trump administration recognizes it’s a fairly friendly, conservative venue. Not only do you have the immigration judges themselves, but cases are going to have to go through district courts in Louisiana, which tend to be largely conservative. More importantly, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Texas and Louisiana, has a really conservative lean to it. So, the feeling is that if you’re going to put someone in custody, under ICE custody, that Louisiana is sort of where you want these court cases to play out if you’re the Trump administration.”
Come to Louisiana, but leave your rights and due process behind
The intensification includes 287(g) partnerships, which allow ICE to delegate its authorities to state and local law enforcement agencies, acting as a bridge between federal law enforcement and local law enforcement.
“The Kenner Police Department close to New Orleans has also reached an agreement where they’re willing to work alongside ICE,” LaRose said. “It’s one of the larger Hispanic immigrant, legal immigrant communities in the state. It’s been sort of a bridge between America and Central America for centuries, really. Clearly, there’s an interest there in the police department wanting to cooperate with federal authorities in the crackdown.”
The role Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry plays in all of this is crucial. Since his ascension to the top seat in Pelican State politics, Landry has focused his attention on fighting crime across the state as one top priority. Given his experience as former state attorney general, along with time served in the military and in law enforcement, LaRose feels Landry can get great mileage out of adhering to what President Trump’s policy is.
“I think he sees that clearly now there is an overwhelming conservative bend to politics in Louisiana and at the national level,” LaRose said. “Something I say a lot any time I’ve interviewed about Jeff Landry is that he’s basically never lost an election. I think you always have to look at what he’s doing from what political advantage he has to gain from it. Now, you can disagree with whether or not that’s a good goal or not. But, I think it’s hard to argue with how effective it’s been at helping him win elections and solidifying people around him.”
LaRose said it will be interesting to see how the governor continues, or if the governor continues, to play a “strict father role” when it comes to crime issues in major Louisiana cities, like New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport.
I believe you mean authoritarian.