A protest by strip club workers has drowned out a news conference by New Orleans officials on the city's iconic Bourbon Street.

The press conference Wednesday was designed to highlight recent renovations along Bourbon Street as Mardi Gras kicks into high gear. But, at times, speakers competed with people behind them loudly chanting, "Save Our Jobs."

The demonstrators were protesting recent law enforcement raids on clubs. Some held signs that read "Let us dance" or "It's Bourbon Street. Not Sesame Street."

At a press conference earlier this week, investigators said they found evidence of prostitution, drug sales and what they described as lewd acts during the raids. Police Chief Michael Harrison said the raids were targeted at human traffickers, although no arrests for human trafficking were made.