Pentagon Deploys 350 National Guard Troops to New Orleans Amid Rising Violent Crime
NEW ORLEANS, La. — In response to a surge in violent crime ahead of major cultural and sporting events, the Pentagon has authorized the deployment of 350 National Guard troops to New Orleans. The soldiers will remain in the city through February 28, 2026, providing critical support to local and federal law enforcement agencies during the high-profile New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Sugar Bowl, and the famed Mardi Gras festivities.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that the National Guard members will operate under the command of Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, working closely with federal partners including the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Their mission is to help enforce federal laws and counteract the escalating violent crime that has plagued New Orleans and other metropolitan areas in Louisiana.
“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,” Parnell said, emphasizing the Department of Defense’s commitment to supporting interagency efforts and ensuring public safety.
The deployment follows a year marked by a troubling rise in violent incidents in New Orleans, which reported 97 murders as of November 1, 2025. The city has struggled to contain violent crime, heightening concerns as thousands of visitors are expected for the upcoming events. In September, Governor Landry formally requested federal assistance, prompting the current mobilization.
Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, Louisiana’s adjutant general, highlighted the readiness and professionalism of the state’s National Guard troops. “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,” Friloux said. Several Guardsmen who recently served in the nation’s capital are expected to return to Louisiana to bolster security efforts.
Governor Landry pointed to the success of previous National Guard deployments, including federalized troops sent to Washington, D.C., earlier this year. “We know how to make cities safe, and the National Guard complements cities that are experiencing high crime,” he said during an interview on “The Will Cain Show.” He credited the Guard’s presence with helping to improve safety in other jurisdictions and expressed confidence in their impact in New Orleans.
The National Guard’s role will focus on securing the French Quarter and other key areas during the Sugar Bowl and Mardi Gras celebrations, events that draw large crowds and have historically been vulnerable to crime spikes. Their presence aims to provide a visible deterrent and rapid response capability to assist local police.
The deployment also comes amid broader federal efforts to address crime and security challenges in Louisiana. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement has recently launched operations targeting criminal elements, and the Department of Homeland Security continues to coordinate with state and local agencies to enhance public safety.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s office and the Louisiana National Guard have been contacted for comment regarding the deployment and its expected impact.
This mobilization reflects a growing trend of federal and state collaboration to combat violent crime in major urban centers, particularly during periods of heightened public activity. As the city prepares for one of its most significant tourist seasons, officials hope the National Guard’s involvement will help restore a sense of security for residents and visitors alike.
For more information on National Guard deployments and federal law enforcement partnerships, visit the National Guard Bureau and the Department of Justice websites.
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