Honduran Woman Arrested After Running Red Light, Crashes Into Unmarked ICE Vehicle in Slidell During Operation Catahoula Crunch
A 32-year-old Honduran woman was arrested Dec. 27, 2025, in Slidell after allegedly running a red light and colliding with an unmarked ICE SUV at Gause and Robert boulevards; no injuries were reported and ICE took her into custody.
Key takeaways
- Crash: Around 2:30 p.m. Dec. 27, an SUV driven by a Honduran woman allegedly ran a red light and struck an unmarked ICE vehicle at Gause Blvd. and Robert Blvd.; no injuries were reported.
- Arrest and custody: Slidell police issued traffic citations and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations took custody, citing prior deportation orders and illegal re-entry.
- Operation context: The ICE vehicle was en route to support Operation Catahoula Crunch, a statewide enforcement surge that began Dec. 22 and has produced more than 150 arrests.
- Officials: Border Patrol Sector Chief Greg Bovino called the crash a “reminder of the dangers our agents face daily”; Slidell Police Chief Randy Faiola said the ICE vehicle had a green light and only minor damage.
Crash details and police response
Slidell police report the collision occurred about 2:30 p.m. at the busy intersection of Gause Boulevard and Robert Boulevard. According to the department’s incident log and officers at the scene, the unmarked ICE SUV had a green light when the Honduran woman’s vehicle entered the intersection and struck the passenger side of the SUV. City responders and ICE dashcam footage shared with local outlets confirmed the impact and no reported injuries.
Slidell Police Chief Randy Faiola said the department’s investigation found no fault with the ICE vehicle. Officers issued traffic citations for failure to obey a traffic signal and careless operation of a vehicle. The incident is logged under Slidell Police Department incident log #2025-12-27-0142.
ICE custody and immigration background
Following the traffic investigation, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) took custody of the driver. ICE identified her as a 32-year-old Honduran national with prior deportation orders, including a 2022 removal, and said she had illegally re-entered the U.S., subjecting her to federal detention and removal proceedings.
“A reminder of the dangers our agents face daily,” posted Border Patrol Sector Chief Greg Bovino, noting agents were en route to support phase two operations tied to Operation Catahoula Crunch when the collision occurred.
ICE officials indicated the woman would remain at the St. Tammany Parish Jail pending transfer or immigration hearings. See the ICE statement on the operation: Operation Catahoula Crunch.
Operation Catahoula Crunch: scope and context
Launched statewide on Dec. 22, 2025, Operation Catahoula Crunch is a multi-agency effort targeting criminal illegal aliens, recent border crossers, and people with violent felony records. Officials say the operation focuses on rural and suburban areas across Louisiana, including St. Tammany Parish.
By Dec. 27, ICE and CBP reported more than 150 arrests statewide, with at least 40 in St. Tammany Parish. Targets included individuals with felony convictions, suspected gang ties (including MS-13), drug traffickers, human smugglers, and those with prior removals. The operation combines ICE ERO, Homeland Security Investigations, CBP Border Patrol, and local law enforcement.
For broader reporting on the operation, see NOLA.com / The Times-Picayune reporting on Operation Catahoula Crunch.
Timeline of events
- Dec. 22, 2025: Operation Catahoula Crunch begins across Louisiana.
- Dec. 27, 2025, ~2:30 p.m.: Crash at Gause Blvd. & Robert Blvd.; Slidell PD responds and confirms no injuries.
- Immediately after: ICE takes custody of the driver; traffic citations issued.
- Dec. 27 evening: Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino posts about the incident on social media.
Officials’ statements and media coverage
Border Patrol Sector Chief Greg Bovino described the crash as a “reminder of the dangers our agents face daily,” and confirmed the woman was taken into custody. Slidell Police Chief Randy Faiola told reporters the ICE vehicle had a green light and sustained only minor damage.
Local TV outlets published video from the ICE dashcam showing the moment of impact and interviews with officials. See local reporting and video: WWL-TV coverage and dashcam footage and Fox 8 WVUE local report.
Community reaction and debate
Supporters of the operation emphasize removing individuals tied to violent crime and drug trafficking, and note risks officers face in mobile operations. Immigrant advocacy groups raised concerns about broad enforcement sweeps that can separate families and create fear in immigrant communities.
Local attorneys and advocates have urged clear communication about rights, access to legal counsel, and care for vulnerable people who may be caught up in large-scale enforcement actions.
Legal status and next steps for the driver
State traffic charges for failure to obey a traffic signal and careless driving were issued by Slidell police. Separately, ICE placed the woman into federal custody for immigration violations and removal proceedings; ICE referenced a 2022 deportation order in public statements. ICE indicated she would remain at the St. Tammany Parish Jail pending transfer or hearings.
Sources and coverage
- WWL-TV (CBS New Orleans) coverage and dashcam footage
- NOLA.com / The Times-Picayune reporting on Operation Catahoula Crunch
- Fox 8 WVUE local report and interviews
- ICE / CBP joint statements on Operation Catahoula Crunch and the incident
- Slidell Police Department incident log #2025-12-27-0142
- Greg Bovino’s social post (X)
Implications for The Inland Empire, California
Although the crash and arrest occurred in Louisiana, similar enforcement actions can have ripple effects in regions like the Inland Empire. Below are key implications and practical guidance for residents and officials:
Economic impact
Interior enforcement and removals can reduce the local labor supply in sectors that rely on immigrant workers — agriculture, construction, and services — potentially increasing costs for businesses and reducing household spending when wage earners are removed.
Political consequences
High-profile enforcement actions can shape local political debates. Elected leaders in the Inland Empire may face pressure to clarify positions on cooperation with federal immigration agencies, sanctuary policies, and use of local resources for enforcement.
Social effects
Incidents that turn traffic stops or accidents into immigration cases can increase anxiety among immigrant communities. Community groups and legal aid organizations may see higher demand for know-your-rights information and family support services.
Practical applications for residents
- Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with local resources and legal protections during encounters with law enforcement or immigration agents.
- Get legal help: Contact local immigrant legal aid groups and nonprofits for guidance about documentation and defense options.
- Community planning: Local governments can review cooperation agreements with ICE and ensure social services remain accessible to affected families.
Law enforcement coordination and policy
Local agencies often balance cooperation with federal partners against community trust. The Slidell case highlights how cross-jurisdictional operations can affect communities far from the operation’s geographic focus and may prompt reviews of information-sharing, detention notifications, and traffic-incident protocols.
Resources and contacts
In the Inland Empire, residents seeking assistance should contact local legal aid groups, immigrant advocacy organizations, and county public defender offices. Cities and counties commonly publish guidance on law enforcement cooperation with federal agencies and rights during contacts with police and ICE.
Reporting compiled from Times Media Service and local outlets including WWL-TV, NOLA.com/Times-Picayune, Fox 8 WVUE, ICE/CBP statements, and the Slidell Police Department incident log.
