On 3/12, Althea Vallotton's suburban New Orleans home became the scene of a tense standoff between federal agents and a group of immigrant roofers she had hired. The incident unfolded as the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched a major operation in New Orleans to locate and deport undocumented immigrants.

Vallotton had contracted a crew of Hispanic workers to repair her storm-damaged roof, a necessary repair after the previous year's major storm. Having saved for months to cover the 49,000 USD cost, she had signed a contract with a legitimate local contractor. The crew arrived at 7 am to begin work, and Vallotton left for her job at a nearby school.

While at work, Vallotton received urgent calls from friends and family, informing her of videos showing ICE agents at her home, confronting the roofers. Shocked, she told her principal, "I have to leave now. ICE agents are at my house."

The New Orleans operation is part of a broader DHS initiative. Secretary Kristi Noem had labeled New Orleans a "sanctuary city" for undocumented immigrants, accusing local officials of disregarding federal law. This policy reflects President Donald Trump's administration's widespread crackdown on undocumented immigrants, with similar scenes reported across the country.

Federal agents outside Vallotton's home, while workers remained on the roof. *AFP*

Upon Vallotton's return, the confrontation had concluded. Neighbor-filmed videos captured ICE and Border Patrol agents attempting to apprehend the workers, who refused to descend from the roof. The standoff lasted for hours. At one point, agents climbed onto the garage roof. A worker pointed a pipe-like object towards them, prompting an agent to warn in Spanish, "Don't do that, I will shoot."

Agents below pointed their guns at the worker, compelling him to drop the pipe and retreat towards the roof's edge, preventing agents from reaching him. Neighbors reported that ICE agents arrested one worker on the ground. However, they ceased efforts to apprehend those on the roof. After the agents departed, the remaining workers descended, entered their vehicle, and left the property.

Vallotton expressed dismay, especially after an immigration lawyer at the scene informed her that several workers held valid work permits. "Why didn't the agents let them stay and finish the job?", she asked. "They left a mess on my property. I don't have insurance for the house." She surveyed the construction materials left behind, her roof still unrepaired. "This harms the economy. Such raids frighten workers so much that they won't return, even if they have work permits."

DHS stated that federal agents arrested one undocumented immigrant at Vallotton's home. Other workers, "suspected of being undocumented laborers", refused to comply with requests to descend from the roof.

New Orleans is led by Democrats, yet Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a Republican, welcomed the federal immigration crackdown. This political dynamic distinguished the New Orleans operation from campaigns in Los Angeles, Chicago, or Charlotte. As agents patrolled downtown New Orleans, a more amicable atmosphere was evident. Many people thanked them, despite occasional jeers.

Federal agents patrol downtown New Orleans, US. *AFP*

Vallotton views the issue beyond politics. She supports no party and did not vote in the last election. Yet, to her, the city's crackdown lacks focus and could do more harm than good. "It is true that undocumented immigrants should be deported", Vallotton questioned, "but there are also those who have been here for decades, working to earn a living, committing no crimes. They contribute to the economy. Why are we aggressively pursuing non-criminals at this time?"

By Duc Trung (According to Washington Post, AP)