Honduran Woman Arrested After Crashing Into ICE Vehicle During Immigration Operation in Louisiana
SLIDELL, La. — A Honduran national was taken into custody after allegedly running a red light and colliding with a vehicle operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Slidell, Louisiana, officials confirmed on Friday. The incident occurred during a broader enforcement effort known as Operation Catahoula Crunch, targeting illegal immigrants in the New Orleans metropolitan area.
According to U.S. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino, the woman failed to stop at a red traffic signal and accelerated into the ICE vehicle, which was actively engaged in federal law enforcement duties. “Apparently she never learned the lesson that red means stop,” Bovino remarked on social media, underscoring the recklessness of the maneuver. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the crash, but the woman was promptly detained by federal agents.
Operation Catahoula Crunch is a concerted effort by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to apprehend individuals residing illegally in the New Orleans area, with a particular focus on those with violent criminal histories. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that the operation targets individuals released after arrests for serious offenses, including home invasion, armed robbery, grand theft auto, and rape.
Photographs circulated on social media depict the woman’s vehicle with significant damage near the front driver’s side, corroborating the collision details shared by officials. As of mid-December, ICE reported approximately 370 apprehensions in the region as part of ongoing enforcement activities.
The DHS has highlighted the broader impact of these operations, noting that in 2025 alone, more than 622,000 individuals have been deported, with an estimated 2.5 million illegal immigrants leaving the country. The department also credits nearly 1.9 million self-deportations to the intensified immigration crackdown initiated under the Trump administration.
While specific details about the Honduran woman, including her identity and charges, have not been publicly released, the incident underscores the heightened enforcement presence in Louisiana. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement continues to maintain a strong operational footprint in the area, focusing on removing individuals who pose risks to public safety.
Local law enforcement and federal agents have coordinated closely during Operation Catahoula Crunch, which aims to improve community safety by targeting illegal alien drug dealers, hit-and-run offenders, and other criminals. DHS officials have stated that these efforts contribute to making the New Orleans community safer by removing dangerous individuals.
The collision in Slidell serves as a reminder of the risks associated with evading law enforcement and the ongoing federal commitment to immigration enforcement. For more information on immigration enforcement and related policies, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and DHS Immigration Enforcement websites provide detailed resources and updates.
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment regarding the incident.
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