NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — New Orleans–area leaders are demanding federal oversight, data transparency, and civil-rights protections after a viral video showed masked federal agents chasing 23-year-old U.S. citizen Jacelynn Guzman outside her home in Marrero during an immigration raid this week. Mayor-elect Helena Moreno and a coalition of local officials issued five formal demands to the Department of Homeland Security on Friday, including prohibiting masked agents, ensuring detainees’ legal access, and providing detailed data on stops, detentions, charges, warrants and outcomes.
The incident occurred Wednesday when Guzman, returning from a corner store, was pursued by multiple federal agents conducting part of a large-scale immigration enforcement operation targeting 5,000 people. The video shows Guzman running into her yard as agents follow. “We’re legal… Don’t chase me,” she shouted. Guzman told AP she feared being detained despite repeatedly stating she was a citizen. Her stepfather, Juan Anglin, said he believed she was profiled “just because you look Hispanic.”
DHS said agents were searching for a “criminal illegal alien” and encountered a woman who matched the description, leaving once they realized she was not the target. Anglin disputes that claim.
Local lawmakers said the crackdown is harming businesses and fueling fear among Hispanic residents. Moreno said the public needs regular briefings, adding, “Without full visibility, it is impossible to determine whether this operation is actually targeting the most dangerous offenders.”
Officials also demanded protections against racial profiling, interpretation services, medical care, and immediate family notification when detentions occur.
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