Authorities say 25 people allegedly living in the U.S. illegally were detained last week at a Harvey shipyard, where they were reportedly employed.

The workers were taken into custody following an operation carried out Thursday by ICE Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans, targeting alleged immigration violations at Big “B” Services LLC, also known as Barrois Welding Services, S

According to ICE New Orleans, the investigation began in March 2025 after an employee of the company was arrested for immigration violations. HSI agents later requested employee records, including Form I-9s and identification documents, from the company’s owner, Russel E. Barrois, but say he failed to provide the required information. WWL has tried contacting Barrois for comment.

HSI New Orleans agents co

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