"State and federal authorities are closely tracking online criticism and protests against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in New Orleans, monitoring message boards around the clock for threats to agents while compiling regular updates on public sentiment surrounding the arrests, according to law enforcement records reviewed by the Associated Press. The intelligence gathering comes even as officials have released few details about the first arrests made last week as part of Catahoula Crunch, prompting calls for greater transparency from local officials who say they have been kept in the dark about virtually every aspect of the operation."
"Immigration authorities have insisted the sweeps are targeted at criminal illegal aliens. But the law enforcement records detail criminal histories for less than a third of the 38 people arrested in the first two days of the operation. Local leaders told the AP those numbers which law enforcement officials were admonished not to distribute to the media undermined the stated aim of the roundup."
"They also expressed concern that the online surveillance could chill free speech as authorities threaten to charge anyone interfering with immigration enforcement. It confirms what we already knew this was not about public safety, it's about stoking chaos and fear and terrorizing communities, said the Louisiana state senator Royce Duplessis, a Democrat who represents New Orleans. It's furthering a sick narrative of stereotypes that immigrants are violent."
State and federal authorities monitored online criticism and protests in New Orleans, tracking message boards around the clock for threats to agents and compiling regular updates on public sentiment surrounding immigration arrests. Officials released few details about initial Catahoula Crunch arrests, prompting local calls for greater transparency and concerns about being kept in the dark. Briefings noted mixed public opinion and groups urging people to record ICE and Border Patrol activities and share locations. Authorities said sweeps targeted criminal illegal aliens, but records show criminal histories for fewer than a third of 38 arrested in the first two days. Local leaders warned surveillance could chill free speech, and DHS did not respond to questions.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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