WASHINGTON: Federal authorities began a law enforcement operation on Wednesday targeting people living in New Orleans illegally, the US Department of Homeland Security said as the Trump administration continues its city-to-city immigration crackdown. The operation’s “targets include violent criminals who were released after arrest for home invasion, armed robbery, grand theft auto, and rape,” Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.

Republican Gov. Jeff Landry previously said he would welcome the operation.

Latest surge of federal agents comes as Donald Trump says National Guard will soon be deployed to Louisiana city.