Teens Forced into Parental Roles as Immigration Crackdown Separates Families in Louisiana

Dec 12, 2025 05:03 pm CST

Louisiana's immigration enforcement operation "Catahoula Crunch" has resulted in over 250 arrests, forcing US citizen teenagers to suddenly become caregivers and providers when their undocumented parents are detained. The operation has created family crises as children like 18-year-old Jonathan Escalante must navigate adult responsibilities while families are left with minimal information about their detained loved ones.