Council Member Eugene Green, Jr., who co-authored the ordinance, dismissed concerns about the exigencies created by Act 399 in an interview with Bolts. “I don’t expect police officers to, for example, be arrested because they aren’t following state and federal guidelines,” he said. But he also said questions about his proposal’s immigration ramifications would be better directed at a “state or federal official or lawyer,” saying, “I am in the business of overseeing the creation of and the implementation and operation of city laws.”
June 10, 2025: In final days of session, legislature advances Landry immigration agenda
Senate Bill 15, sponsored by Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, criminalizes the failure of local officials – including sheriffs and other law enforcement officers – to cooperate with federal immigration agencies, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison. It also criminalizes acts by everyday Louisiana residents deemed to obstruct or “thwart” federal immigration enforcement efforts. It passed 71-30.
Green argues that this technology is a critical aid in the fight to catch alleged criminals, referencing two recent cases where Project NOLA’s cameras identified a suspect. “What about the fact that the citizens are safer because those two people are off the streets only because of the use of facial recognition technology?” he asked. “It can give and it can take away. But I’m not going to ignore the fact that it can give safety and comfort to our residents.”
“Everybody has it and uses it,” he added. “Please point to me the instances where the technology has been abused.” 👇
June 18, 2025: A bad facial recognition match costs Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto's office.
This man is on city council. He has a staff of people who are paid to keep him informed about this. I am nobody. I just read the news in my spare time. I find it very hard to believe he's actually just unaware of this information.
