SURGE IN DETENTIONS: ICE New Orleans Targets Non-Criminal Immigrants

First-quarter data from ICE New Orleans indicates a notable increase in the detention of immigrants without criminal convictions or pending charges, marking a 31% rise in arrests and a 24% increase in detentions compared to the previous year. The data also shows an increase in detained immigrants with criminal convictions (21%) and those with no criminal history (9%). The article highlights the case of Paola Clouatre, an asylum seeker arrested by ICE after a green card application hearing despite her family's efforts to comply with immigration rules. Clouatre, who was detained for two months at Richwood Correctional Center, expressed shock and distress over her detention, particularly as she has a breast-feeding infant. Her release was secured after a judge reopened her case and intervention from Senator John Kennedy's office. The Clouatre family plans to continue their green card process, albeit with apprehension.