Tragic Drowning Highlights Risks Amid Louisiana’s Immigration Crackdown

In a shocking incident linked to an ongoing immigration enforcement operation, a tragic drowning occurred last month in the state of Louisiana. Reports from NOLA.com revealed that Walter Cerrato, a 48-year-old Honduran worker, lost his life while attempting to evade authorities.

The Incident

Cerrato was employed on the Rambler, an oyster boat based in St. Bernard Parish, where he worked to provide for his wife and three children living in Houston, Texas. On December 18, just days before Christmas, the US Coast Guard (USCG) arrived in an unmarked vehicle at the vessel’s dock. In a panic, Cerrato and another dock worker jumped into the water in an effort to escape.

Sadly, Cerrato drowned while the other worker managed to survive.

Background on Immigration Enforcement

Greg Perez, an oysterman who frequently hired Cerrato, disclosed that while Cerrato once held a work visa, it likely had expired. Captain Anthony Tesvic of the Rambler expressed that the heightened presence of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the local area has caused significant anxiety among the immigrant workforce.

This surge in enforcement is part of “Operation Catahoula Crunch,” reportedly initiated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on December 3, 2025. This operation aims to target “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens” around the New Orleans area. As of December 18, the DHS had announced about 370 arrests stemming from this operation.

Reaction to the Operation

DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented on the situation, stating that while “sanctuary city politicians have refused to do their job,” DHS is committed to enhancing community safety through these efforts.

However, attorney Mary Hand from the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that there were no existing warrants or criminal history on file for Cerrato.

USCG Involvement

According to a statement from the USCG, they were conducting routine security checks on December 18 when they boarded the Rambler. The agency was reportedly unaware that a crew member had entered the water prior to their arrival. They stated that once alerted to the situation, they returned to assist in search efforts.

Initial reports indicated that the USCG had no knowledge of Cerrato’s legal status until after his tragic death.

Aftermath

Following the incident, Tesvic confirmed that he did not report the two Honduran men who had fled the boat. The call to report the drowning was made hours later, after initial search attempts were unsuccessful.

This heartbreaking event underscores the dire consequences tied to the rising immigration enforcement in the region. As communities continue to navigate the complexities of immigration policy, individuals like Walter Cerrato tragically pay the price.