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NOPD updates immigration policy amid state pressure

News

The New Orleans Police Department updated its decade-old immigration policy during <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mardi Gras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" data-vars-content-id="1ce02cfd-996a-4650-9ad8-481291d336bb" data-vars-headline="NOPD updates immigration policy amid state pressure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" target="_self">Mardi Gras</a>.Why it matters: Immigration enforcement has become a political flashpoint in Louisiana, with Attorney General Liz Murrill pressuring New Orleans leaders over so-called &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sanctuary city" data-vars-click-url="https://lailluminator.com/2025/02/14/new-orleans-sanctuary/" data-vars-content-id="1ce02cfd-996a-4650-9ad8-481291d336bb" data-vars-headline="NOPD updates immigration policy amid state pressure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lailluminator.com/2025/02/14/new-orleans-sanctuary/" target="_blank">sanctuary city</a>&quot; policies and Mayor Helena Moreno issuing an order blocking formal ICE partnerships.

The No. 1 fish cleaning tip from a guy who butchers 500 pounds a day

Food and Drink

If you want to get better at something, it&#x27;s a good idea to ask an expert. So if you&#x27;re looking to improve your fish game, the guy you want to talk to is GW Fins&#x27; Michael Perkins.Why it matters: Perkins has been personally responsible for butchering 300 to 500 or more pounds of fresh-caught fish every day for more than 20 years.

Norman Francis, Xavier's longtime president, dies at 94

"He changed this country, this city, and me for the better."

Norman Francis, the longtime president of Xavier University and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, died Wednesday, his family said. He was 94. The big picture: Francis led <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Xavier for 47 years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.xula.edu/news//2026/02/remembering-president-emeritus-dr-norman-c-francis-52.html" data-vars-content-id="c6349139-9350-4528-9791-9643babf3aa5" data-vars-headline="Norman Francis, Xavier&#x27;s longtime president, dies at 94" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.xula.edu/news//2026/02/remembering-president-emeritus-dr-norman-c-francis-52.html" target="_blank">Xavier for 47 years</a> and was instrumental in shaping New Orleans&#x27; recovery after Hurricane Katrina.

Where to recycle Mardi Gras beads in New Orleans

Several drop-off sites are open all year.

Mardi Gras

<figure><img alt="Image shows beads, footballs and other Mardi Gras parade throws on the grass." height="450" id="68baf701-5460-42fa-b2b3-9d43def9bb7a" src="https://images.axios.com/2j69gb74-8n9K21a7v71d54_m2M=/2026/02/17/1771360086576.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Mardi Gras throws include beads, doubloons, cups, footballs and plush items. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>Several <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="1d319c76-b376-405e-9f75-c2bbf8ef7537" data-vars-headline="Where to recycle Mardi Gras beads in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a> organizations can help keep your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mardi Gras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" data-vars-content-id="1d319c76-b376-405e-9f75-c2bbf8ef7537" data-vars-headline="Where to recycle Mardi Gras beads in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" target="_self">Mardi Gras</a> beads, stuffed animals and other throws out of landfills.Why it matters: Mardi Gras leaves behind mountains of trash. Recycling cuts waste and supports local nonprofits.

New Orleans' new partnership with federal law enforcement is underway

The partnership aims to maintain low violent crime rates.

Public Safety

A new federal-local law enforcement partnership aims to &quot;build on the successes&quot; of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="49dee28a-fc1c-4193-8a07-8a1a1be4bf47" data-vars-headline="New Orleans&#x27; new partnership with federal law enforcement is underway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans&#x27;</a> recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crime reduction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/06/violent-crime-murder-capital-improvement-statistics" data-vars-content-id="49dee28a-fc1c-4193-8a07-8a1a1be4bf47" data-vars-headline="New Orleans&#x27; new partnership with federal law enforcement is underway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/06/violent-crime-murder-capital-improvement-statistics" target="_self">crime reduction</a>, according to District Attorney Jason Williams.Why it matters: Even as local leaders tout the city&#x27;s 50-year low in violent crime, they say the job is never done — and the new partnership will provide a nuanced way to sustain that momentum, Williams said.

New Orleans sheds "murder capital" title as violent crime trends down

The improvement comes amid a national crime drop.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans&#x27; violent crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/05/13/record-low-homicide-new-orleans-crime-decrease" data-vars-content-id="dc350f3e-653f-40ed-be04-343a1323ae95" data-vars-headline="New Orleans sheds &quot;murder capital&quot; title as violent crime trends down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/05/13/record-low-homicide-new-orleans-crime-decrease" target="_self">New Orleans&#x27; violent crime</a> continued to trend down for the third year in a row, according to newly released statistics from the city police department. Why it matters: New Orleans carried the title of &quot;murder capital of the U.S.&quot; just three years ago, says New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.

National Guard deploys to New Orleans

The deployment comes as the city marks the 1st anniversary of the Bourbon Street terror attack that killed 14 people.

Politics & Policy

The National Guard is deploying to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="8860c03c-5970-4399-a498-561da036671b" data-vars-headline="National Guard deploys to New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a> in the latest of President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="8860c03c-5970-4399-a498-561da036671b" data-vars-headline="National Guard deploys to New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s</a> moves to send federal troops to back up local law enforcement across the country.The latest: The deployment of 350 troops will begin in time for the new year and last through February, Gov. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jeff Landry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/22/greenland-envoy-landry-denmark-summon-ambassador" data-vars-content-id="8860c03c-5970-4399-a498-561da036671b" data-vars-headline="National Guard deploys to New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/22/greenland-envoy-landry-denmark-summon-ambassador" target="_self">Jeff Landry</a> (R) announced Tuesday during an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="appearance" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/lagovjefflandry/status/2003579009897009641?s=46&amp;t=90eTK9HyEu_rtaKt7L1uLw" data-vars-content-id="8860c03c-5970-4399-a498-561da036671b" data-vars-headline="National Guard deploys to New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/lagovjefflandry/status/2003579009897009641?s=46&amp;t=90eTK9HyEu_rtaKt7L1uLw" target="_blank">appearance</a> on Fox News.

Leader of controversial Mardi Gras krewe arrested

Cecil Roebuck faces a theft charge, police say.

Cecil Roebuck, the leader of the fledgling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mardi Gras krewe Mystic Kings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/05/06/mystic-kings-mardi-gras-krewe-new" data-vars-content-id="fda8a511-5846-4b00-aff0-0e516c79a6c7" data-vars-headline="Leader of controversial Mardi Gras krewe arrested" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/05/06/mystic-kings-mardi-gras-krewe-new" target="_self">Mardi Gras krewe Mystic Kings</a>, was arrested Wednesday, New Orleans police confirm. Why it matters: The organization says <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="it plans to roll" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/09/controversial-mystic-kings-parade-set-to-roll-jan-5" data-vars-content-id="fda8a511-5846-4b00-aff0-0e516c79a6c7" data-vars-headline="Leader of controversial Mardi Gras krewe arrested" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/09/controversial-mystic-kings-parade-set-to-roll-jan-5" target="_self">it plans to roll</a> its inaugural parade Jan. 5, 2026, despite swirling controversy.

Bourbon Street art installation honors Jan. 1 terror attack victims

The installation will remain up through Jan. 18.

A new memorial will light up across lower Bourbon Street on Monday night in honor of the victims of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jan. 1 terror attack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/01/01/new-orleans-bourbon-street-vehicle-attack" data-vars-content-id="65ad195d-4de4-4c4c-88fc-0ca1a2d78f8c" data-vars-headline="Bourbon Street art installation honors Jan. 1 terror attack victims" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/01/01/new-orleans-bourbon-street-vehicle-attack" target="_self">Jan. 1 terror attack</a>.Why it matters: The gesture brings a beautifully poignant reminder of how 2025 started, and the loved ones who will celebrate the holidays without certain family and friends this year.

How activists are preparing for Border Patrol in New Orleans

Federal officials have yet to confirm plans for operations in New Orleans.

As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Border Patrol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/11/17/border-patrol-national-guard-immigration" data-vars-content-id="8820df4c-0969-465d-8e25-ab42c71920f0" data-vars-headline="How activists are preparing for Border Patrol in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/11/17/border-patrol-national-guard-immigration" target="_self">U.S. Border Patrol</a> appears to prepare for a potentially months-long deployment in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="8820df4c-0969-465d-8e25-ab42c71920f0" data-vars-headline="How activists are preparing for Border Patrol in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a> amid President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration crackdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/16/ice-raids-charlotte-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="8820df4c-0969-465d-8e25-ab42c71920f0" data-vars-headline="How activists are preparing for Border Patrol in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/16/ice-raids-charlotte-new-orleans" target="_self">immigration crackdown</a>, local immigrant rights activists are preparing, too. Why it matters: The crackdown elsewhere has resulted in sometimes volatile interactions between protesters and federal agents, as well as legal challenges against the federal government.

What we know about possible federal deployments in New Orleans

Neither deployment has yet been confirmed.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="0b2effa2-7e9a-4e8a-a4f7-768134ab6bc2" data-vars-headline="What we know about possible federal deployments in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a> could spend the holidays with extra guests.Why it matters: With an outstanding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Jeff Landry request" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/17/louisiana-national-guard-deployment-trump-jeff-landry" data-vars-content-id="0b2effa2-7e9a-4e8a-a4f7-768134ab6bc2" data-vars-headline="What we know about possible federal deployments in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/17/louisiana-national-guard-deployment-trump-jeff-landry" target="_self">Gov. Jeff Landry request</a> for the National Guard and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports circulating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/11/13/border-patrol-to-shift-focus-to-new-orleans-reports-say" data-vars-content-id="0b2effa2-7e9a-4e8a-a4f7-768134ab6bc2" data-vars-headline="What we know about possible federal deployments in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/11/13/border-patrol-to-shift-focus-to-new-orleans-reports-say" target="_self">reports circulating</a> that Border Patrol is heading here, federal law enforcement agents could soon be spotted on local streets, though they&#x27;d likely arrive with very different missions.

Unclear what's changed since New Orleans' historic jailbreak

Some but likely not all locks have been replaced.

It&#x27;s been nearly six months since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="10 inmates escaped" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/05/16/new-orleans-inmates-escape-jail" data-vars-content-id="e0d8b54e-5adc-489a-8e72-9465eae6e5e2" data-vars-headline="Unclear what&#x27;s changed since New Orleans&#x27; historic jailbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/05/16/new-orleans-inmates-escape-jail" target="_self">10 inmates escaped</a> from the New Orleans jail, but it remains difficult to say exactly what Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has done to prevent further escapes.Why it matters: It took almost five months for all 10 inmates to be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recaptured" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/08/derrick-groves-recaptures-new-orleans-jailbreak" data-vars-content-id="e0d8b54e-5adc-489a-8e72-9465eae6e5e2" data-vars-headline="Unclear what&#x27;s changed since New Orleans&#x27; historic jailbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/08/derrick-groves-recaptures-new-orleans-jailbreak" target="_self">recaptured</a>, which officials said posed a public safety risk as they were all tracked down by law enforcement.

Child abuse tips soar as Louisiana AG expands task force

Attorney General Liz Murrill has made child abuse a priority.

Attorney General Liz Murrill has expanded a statewide partnership for the state&#x27;s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.Why it matters: That group, which jumped from a collaboration between eight law enforcement agencies to 64 since Murrill took office in January 2024, is now wading through an unprecedented number of tips.

NOPD ramps up traffic enforcement

The increase is based on resident feedback, police say.

A traffic crackdown in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="65bf94c0-954a-4405-a125-fab9c1df3cf4" data-vars-headline="NOPD ramps up traffic enforcement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a> has led to a 21% decrease in fatal crashes and a 20% decrease in traffic deaths, year over year, NOPD spokesman Reese Harper says. Zoom in: &quot;That&#x27;s lives saved and families spared,&quot; Harper says.