What is “Catahoula”?
Catahoula refers both to the Catahoula Leopard Dog, Louisiana’s state dog known for its mottled coat and striking eyes, and to new federal branding in Operation Catahoula Crunch.
The dog originated in Louisiana as a tough, adaptable working breed used for herding cattle, hogs, and hunting, which helped cement its status as a regional symbol.
Operation Catahoula Crunch
Operation Catahoula Crunch is a large‑scale immigration enforcement campaign in the New Orleans area, in which federal authorities plan thousands of arrests over a short time frame.
Officials describe the effort as targeting serious offenders, while critics say the numeric goals and tactics indicate broad sweeps that will affect many people whose primary issue is immigration status.
Local Impact and Debate
Community advocates and legal aid groups report arrests at workplaces, parking lots, and check‑ins, and warn that the campaign is creating fear among immigrant families and their neighbors.
The choice of the name “Catahoula” has become part of the controversy, as residents question using a beloved state dog as the symbol of an operation associated with family separation, economic disruption, and heightened tension in New Orleans.