(The Center Square) – Federal authorities apprehended 20 people for alleged immigration violations during a three-day enforcement operation with Louisiana wildlife agents in three coastal parishes.The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said the Sept. 24-26 operation involved two days of maritime patrols followed by a land-based operation in Plaquemines, Jefferson and Terrebonne parishes. Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Coast Guard were among the federal agencies involved.Federal officers apprehended four people during the maritime patrols and another 16 during the land operation. All 20 were cited for alleged violations of federal immigration law and face deportation proceedings, according to LDWF.Wildlife agents focused on fishing enforcement. They encountered 99 people over the three days, issued 12 fisheries citations and seized 22 fish, including red drum, black drum and a spotted seatrout.Violations included possessing undersized or over-limit fish and fishing without a required nonresident license.Louisiana law requires law enforcement agencies to use their “best efforts” to support federal immigration enforcement and bars state and local agencies from restricting cooperation or information-sharing with federal immigration authorities. LDWF said it will continue working with federal, state and local agencies as needed to enforce fishing regulations and maintain a law enforcement presence along Louisiana’s coast.
