Fear of Being Caught in Kenner, Louisiana

KENNER, La. — A noticeable increase in U.S. Border Patrol activity in Kenner has left many Hispanic residents feeling unsettled, worried, and singled out.

“This feeling is awful,” one resident said. “I told my mom it feels like someone is going to take me away from my own country.”

WWL Louisiana crews first spotted a federal vehicle Friday morning near Auburn and Trinity. The agents left shortly after being seen.
Later, crews observed agents again near Helena and 27th Street. A larger, more coordinated presence appeared on Williams Boulevard, where five Border Patrol vehicles gathered on the interstate on-ramp, seemingly discussing their next steps.

Rachel Taber, a community organizer with Unión Migrante, believes the enforcement effort is targeted.

“They’re profiling Hispanic people and Hispanic neighborhoods, pursuing them based solely on skin color,” Taber said. “I believe this operation is driven by Census data identifying Hispanic areas. That’s exactly what we’re seeing — a heavy presence in Gretna, Kenner, and Terrytown. It’s not about crime-dense neighborhoods. They’re focusing 100% on Hispanic communities.”

The increased enforcement has led some residents and business owners to take precautions they never expected. “It feels strange that we even have to do this,” one restaurant owner said.

A woman whose family owns a restaurant explained that they are now keeping their doors locked during business hours, only letting in customers who call ahead. The staff watches surveillance cameras constantly, monitoring every vehicle that enters the parking lot.

“We have an iPad with the cameras, and we’re always checking them — who’s parking out front, who’s parking behind us near the trash bins when we take garbage out. We just keep seeing more and more cars.”

Many residents say they don’t know when — or if — they will feel secure again. Still, despite the anxiety, some say the experience has strengthened their sense of solidarity with one another.