Louisiana National Guard members prepare for deployment to New Orleans streets ahead of major events. (Credit: The New York Times)
The Pentagon has authorized the deployment of approximately 350 Louisiana National Guard troops to New Orleans, where they will support local and federal law enforcement efforts through the end of February 2026. The mobilization, announced on December 23, aims to enhance security during high-profile events including New Year's Eve celebrations, the Sugar Bowl, and Mardi Gras festivities.
National Guard troops on patrol in New Orleans, providing additional security presence. (Credit: Axios)
The deployment operates under Title 32 status, meaning the troops remain under the command of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry while federal funds cover the costs. Troops are expected to provide a visible uniformed presence, particularly in the French Quarter's enhanced security zones, partnering with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and Louisiana State Police.
Governor Landry praised the decision, crediting President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In an interview on Fox News' The Will Cain Show, Landry stated, “It’s going to help us further crack down on the violence here in the city of New Orleans and elsewhere around Louisiana.” He highlighted the return of Louisiana Guardsmen previously deployed to Washington, D.C., who will join the effort upon their arrival back in the state.
Louisiana National Guard soldiers stand ready for enhanced security operations in New Orleans. (Credit: WDAM/Gray Media)
Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, Adjutant General of the Louisiana National Guard, emphasized the troops' preparedness: “Our Louisiana National Guardsmen are highly trained professionals. Many of them supported law enforcement efforts in Washington, D.C., and are ready to support our home state. We’ve mobilized multiple times this year to support efforts in New Orleans and are ready to do so again for the next two months.”
A Pentagon spokesperson added that the troops will “support federal law enforcement partners, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, as they enforce federal law and counter high rates of violent crime in New Orleans and other metropolitan areas in Louisiana.”
Background and Context
The deployment follows months of discussions initiated by Governor Landry's September request for up to 1,000 National Guard members statewide, citing elevated violent crime and police staffing shortages in cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport. While initial plans considered broader statewide activation, current efforts focus primarily on New Orleans.
National Guard personnel in the French Quarter during a previous security support mission. (Credit: Audacy/Getty Images)
New Orleans has seen multiple National Guard activations in 2025, including responses to the January 1 Bourbon Street truck attack that killed 14 people, Super Bowl security, and previous Mardi Gras support.
Crime statistics present a mixed picture. As of November 1, 2025, the city recorded 97 homicides—on pace for one of the lowest annual totals in decades, down from 124 in 2024 and 193 in 2023. Other violent crimes, including armed robberies, aggravated assaults, and carjackings, have also declined significantly. However, state officials maintain that persistent challenges justify additional resources, especially during periods of high tourist influx.
The New Orleans Police Department and city officials have welcomed the partnership, describing the Guard as a “force multiplier” to sustain public safety progress.
This move aligns with broader federal initiatives under the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in support of law enforcement in various cities, modeled after deployments in Washington, D.C., and other locations.
As the holiday season peaks, the added presence is intended to ensure safety for residents and the millions of visitors expected in the coming weeks.
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