The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement correcting claims made in a recent online report by The Lens regarding an alleged arrest involving their deputies and ICE agents.
The report, published on May 23, suggested that deputies accused a woman of presenting fake identification, called ICE to verify it, and left her four children unattended. The LPSO described these claims as false and misleading.
Clarifying the Incident
According to the LPSO, the incident occurred on May 20, 2026, during a vehicle safety checkpoint established near the 200 block of Herbert Road in Lafayette Parish at the request of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.
Deputies were present to assist ICE agents with the checkpoint. A local woman approached the checkpoint carrying identification documents and a cell phone. No children were with her at any point, and she traveled alone.
The woman indicated she did not speak English, prompting a nearby ICE agent to take over the encounter in Spanish. Deputies had no further contact with her after that point. An internal review confirmed that deputies never questioned the authenticity of her documents, nor did they make any accusations regarding her identification.
Detentions During the Checkpoint
The LPSO stated that a total of eight individuals were detained by ICE agents during the checkpoint. Among them, three, including the woman referenced in the article, had previously received final removal orders from federal authorities.
One of the individuals detained was a known MS-13 gang member who had been deported in the past. No arrests or detentions were carried out by Lafayette Parish deputies.
Response to Public Concerns
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the online report provided unverified and misleading information. The LPSO reassured the community that no children were involved or endangered, deputies did not accuse anyone of falsifying identification, and no actions were taken by deputies beyond supporting ICE at the checkpoint.
Commitment to Integrity and Transparency
The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office affirmed its ongoing commitment to professionalism, integrity, and compassionate service when working alongside federal partners. The department aims to maintain public trust and transparency in all law enforcement activities, including checkpoints and collaborations with federal agencies.
