The immigration operation in New Orleans will drive out "the worst of the worst." It aims to influence local economies so that immigrants "self-deport."

The Trump administration is using fear and closures. However, Bovino maintains that this is part of his strategy. "There is a strategy here." Border Patrol agent Gil Maza, who supports him, says it's not something improvised. "Gil, it's nothing more than a well-thought-out, cautious, and deliberate strategy; it's about 'self-deportations.'" In response to concerns from customers and workers, Bovino approved the closure of businesses, including those owned by U.S. citizens. "Gil, what happens if those economies that depend on undocumented immigrants, like those in Charlotte, Chicago, and Los Angeles, remain closed for a long time?... Now they have the opportunity to 'self-deport' millions more people before it's too late."