The U.S. Department of Homeland Security officially launched a sweeping immigration enforcement operation in New Orleans on Wednesday morning, part of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.

The operation, dubbed "Catahoula Crunch," follows similar sweeps in Chicago and North Carolina. Federal authorities pointed to New Orleans' "sanctuary policies" as one reason for targeting the area.

The Wednesday announcement marked the first official confirmation that Border Patrol agents will soon arrive in south Louisiana.

Here's what you need to know.

Immigrant communities fearful

Ahead of Border Patrol's arrival, Hispanic communities across the greater New Orleans area have been on edge.

Local restaurants, including Mid-City's Taqueria Guerrero , have shut down in anticipation of

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