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Pentagon Deploys National Guard to Combat Crime in New Orleans Through Mardi Gras
The Pentagon announced Tuesday it will deploy 350 National Guard troops to New Orleans through February 28 to help combat rising crime rates in the city. The deployment will cover several major events, including New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Sugar Bowl, and Mardi Gras festivities.
The troops will operate under Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry’s command and will support federal authorities from the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security in enforcing federal law and addressing violent crime in New Orleans and other Louisiana metropolitan areas.
“Operating under Governor Landry’s command and control, this mission will directly enhance the safety of Louisiana’s residents and the enforcement of federal laws, reaffirming the Department of Defense’s commitment to supporting our interagency partners and the safety and security of our nation,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement.
Many of the National Guard members being deployed to New Orleans are expected to return from assignments in Washington, D.C., where they had been providing security under President Trump’s federalization of troops in the nation’s capital.
Major General Thomas Friloux, the adjutant general of Louisiana, expressed confidence in the troops’ readiness: “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.”
The deployment comes as New Orleans grapples with persistent crime issues. The city had reported 97 murders as of November 1 this year, highlighting ongoing security concerns in the popular tourist destination.
Governor Landry, who had previously requested National Guard assistance from President Trump in September, defended the deployment strategy during an appearance on “The Will Cain Show.”
“We know how to make cities safe, and the National Guard complements cities that are experiencing high crime,” Landry said. “Look at what the president has done in Washington, D.C. When he wanted to send the National Guard into Washington, D.C., Louisiana was one of the first to raise its hand and say our troops will go there and help. And the city is so much better.”
The deployment is particularly significant given New Orleans’ upcoming major events that typically draw large crowds. Security concerns have been heightened since early 2025, when an incident involving a U.S. Army veteran driving a pickup truck bearing an ISIS flag resulted in casualties among New Year’s revelers before the driver was shot and killed by police.
This deployment represents part of a broader national strategy under the Trump administration to utilize National Guard forces to address urban crime issues. Similar approaches have been discussed for other major cities experiencing high crime rates, including Chicago.
Law enforcement experts note that using National Guard troops in urban settings requires careful coordination with local police departments to ensure effective operations. The troops are expected to focus primarily on the French Quarter area, which sees the highest concentration of tourists during Mardi Gras and other celebrations.
Local business owners in the tourism-dependent French Quarter have generally welcomed the additional security presence, hoping it will reassure visitors during the economically crucial Mardi Gras season, which generates hundreds of millions of dollars for the city’s economy annually.
As the deployment begins, city officials, law enforcement agencies, and National Guard commanders will be closely monitoring its effectiveness in reducing crime while maintaining New Orleans’ vibrant cultural atmosphere during its most celebrated events.
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10 Comments
While the National Guard deployment may provide a short-term boost to security, I hope the authorities also explore sustainable, community-based solutions to address the underlying factors driving crime in New Orleans. A balanced approach is key.
Interesting move by the Pentagon to deploy National Guard troops to New Orleans ahead of major events. Curious to see if this helps curb the rising crime rates in the city.
This seems like a proactive measure to ensure public safety during high-profile events in New Orleans. Addressing violent crime through federal and state coordination could be an effective approach.
I agree, the partnership between the Pentagon, DOJ, DHS, and Louisiana’s governor is a sensible way to bolster security and enforcement during these events.
This deployment seems like a pragmatic step to enhance security and law enforcement capacity in New Orleans during a critical period. However, it will be important to evaluate the effectiveness and impact on the local community.
I agree. The success of this initiative should be measured not just by crime statistics, but also by how it is perceived and received by New Orleans residents.
As someone who has followed the crime issues in New Orleans, I’m cautiously optimistic that this joint federal-state effort can make a positive difference ahead of the major events. The city needs all the support it can get to keep residents and visitors safe.
Given the scale and timing of the events in New Orleans, the National Guard deployment makes sense to provide additional resources and manpower. It will be important to monitor the results and impact on the local community.
That’s a good point. The National Guard’s presence should be carefully balanced to enhance public safety without appearing heavy-handed or disruptive to the community.
The Pentagon’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to New Orleans is a significant move. I’m curious to see if this helps address the city’s crime challenges, or if more long-term solutions are needed to tackle the root causes.