Baton Rouge Builds a Police‑Federal Hub to Fight Gangs, Not Immigration

The city council decided to accept a $1. 16 million grant that will let federal agents work side‑by‑side with local police in a new gang‑crime task force. The proposal sparked worry among residents who feared it could lead to ICE raids or other immigration enforcement actions in Baton Rouge. Police chief TJ Morse explained that the facility is meant only for agencies like the DEA, ATF, and U. S. Marshals to collaborate on gang‑related violence. “ICE is not part of this, ” he said, stressing that the goal is to curb gun crime and gang activity. Despite his reassurances, some citizens remained uneasy. An immigrant‑rights advocate asked whether ICE would have access to the building, suggesting that shared space might invite federal immigration operations. The council discussion grew heated; a few speakers were admonished by Mayor Brandon Noel for profanity in the chambers. Morse highlighted that any federal activity would require his approval, and he reminded attendees that the city has no significant immigration‑crime problem.He noted that 34 homicides have occurred this year, most linked to gang retaliation, underscoring the urgency of the task force. The chief also shared a personal connection to immigration issues, mentioning his wife’s Latina heritage and past ICE presence in the city. The vote passed with seven affirmative votes, including Republicans Laurie Adams, Denise Amoroso, Rowdy Gaudet, Dwight Hudson, Aaron Moak and Mayor Noel, and Democrat Carolyn Coleman. Republican Jen Racca and Democrat Cleve Dunn Jr. were absent from the vote. Coleman emphasized that protecting communities from guns, gangs, and drugs is her top priority after a 17‑year‑old’s death in District 10. Some council members wanted to delay the decision for two weeks or more to reassure the public that the renovation had nothing to do with immigration. Morse argued that a delay could result in the grant money being redirected to another agency, so he urged prompt approval. The city’s new joint facility aims to strengthen cooperation against gang violence while addressing community concerns about federal involvement in immigration matters.