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

The city council voted to accept a $1.16 million grant that will allow federal agents to work side‑by‑side with local police in a newly created gang‑crime task force.

Key Points

• Federal Partners: The facility will host agencies such as the DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals—ICE is not included.
• Community Concerns: Residents feared the new center could become a hub for ICE raids or other immigration enforcement actions.
• Police Chief’s Reassurances:
  > “ICE is not part of this,” Police Chief TJ Morse said, emphasizing the goal to curb gun crime and gang activity.
  > He added that any federal activity would require his approval and reminded attendees that Baton Rouge has no significant immigration‑crime problem.
• Personal Touch: Chief Morse noted his wife’s Latina heritage and past ICE presence in the city to underscore his familiarity with immigration issues.
• Voting Breakdown:
• Affirmative (7): Republicans Laurie Adams, Denise Amoroso, Rowdy Gaudet, Dwight Hudson, Aaron Moak; Mayor Brandon Noel; Democrat Carolyn Coleman.
• Absent: Republican Jen Racca and Democrat Cleve Dunn Jr.

Council Debate Highlights

• A heated discussion led Mayor Noel to admonish a few speakers for profanity.
• Some council members suggested delaying the decision by two weeks or more to reassure the public that the renovation had nothing to do with immigration.
• Chief Morse warned that a delay could result in the grant money being redirected to another agency, urging prompt approval.
• Coleman stressed that protecting communities from guns, gangs, and drugs is her top priority after a 17‑year‑old’s death in District 10.

Context

• Crime Statistics: 34 homicides this year, most linked to gang retaliation.
• Goal of the Task Force: Strengthen cooperation against gang violence while addressing community concerns about federal involvement in immigration matters.