Unexpected Visit: Roof Repair Turns into Immigration Raid

Althea Vallotton had been through a lot. Her home in suburban New Orleans had taken a beating from Hurricane Francine. Every time it rained, water found its way inside, turning her floors into puddles. She had saved up and even moved into a mobile home on her front lawn while waiting for the funds to fix her roof. Finally, she got a loan and was ready to put a strong, metallic roof over her head. On a Wednesday morning, workers arrived at her house to start the job. She left for work, feeling a sense of relief. The repair was supposed to be quick, just a one-day job. But then, her phone started buzzing. Friends and family were sending her videos and screenshots. Federal immigration agents were at her house, pointing guns at the workers on her roof. She was shocked. She told her school principal she had to leave immediately. By the time she got home, the agents were gone. But the damage was done. The Hispanic construction crew working on her roof had become the latest target in a wave of immigration crackdowns sweeping the country. This wasn't just about the workers or Althea. It showed how the Trump administration's deportation policies were affecting everyday lives in unexpected ways. People who had nothing to do with immigration were getting caught in the crossfire. The incident raised questions about how far-reaching these policies were. It wasn't just about the people being deported. It was about the families, the communities, and even the simple act of repairing a roof.