Louisiana National Guard Troops to Stay in New Orleans Through August

Louisiana officials have extended the deployment of 120 National Guard troops in New Orleans for six more months through August. The troops were initially sent in December for New Year's events and were supposed to leave after Mardi Gras.

NEW ORLEANS — Louisiana military officials announced Monday they will keep 120 National Guard troops stationed in New Orleans until August, extending their mission by six months.

The soldiers are part of a larger group of 350 Guard members who arrived in the city in late December to provide security for New Year’s celebrations and major events including the Sugar Bowl. Originally concentrated in the famous French Quarter area, these troops were initially set to return home following the conclusion of Mardi Gras festivities.

New Orleans joins other Democratic-led cities including Washington and Memphis, Tennessee, where federal authorities have positioned armed military personnel under President Donald Trump’s administration. Separately, hundreds of federal agents also arrived in Louisiana last December as part of an immigration enforcement operation in the New Orleans area.

Trump highlighted the New Orleans military presence as a “big success” during his recent State of the Union speech. Last month, the president claimed the troops helped reduce violent crime in the city within their first week of arrival. However, New Orleans police statistics indicate violent crime has dropped substantially over the past three years, following broader national patterns.

A Louisiana National Guard statement explained that the remaining troops will maintain a “visible presence to deter criminal activity in New Orleans.”

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, a Democrat who initially resisted the deployment, now says the military personnel will help the city in upcoming weeks. She noted that National Guard soldiers provided valuable assistance during last year’s Mardi Gras celebration following the tragic New Year’s Day vehicle attack in the French Quarter that claimed 14 lives.

“I continue to support the partnership with the LA National Guard to assist in our major events and there are several coming up in the next few weeks,” Moreno stated.

Though Moreno didn’t specify which events she meant, New Orleans typically sees large crowds during spring celebrations like the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Republican Governor Jeff Landry, a strong Trump supporter, first requested National Guard assistance last September, pointing to concerns about violent crime despite data showing decreases.

“This continued deployment will help us combat violence in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana,” Landry posted on X Monday, mentioning that Louisiana also sent Guard troops to Washington, D.C., previously.

Kate Kelly, speaking for Governor Landry, confirmed federal funding will cover the extended deployment costs. She didn’t answer questions about potential Guard operations beyond New Orleans.

Major General Thomas Friloux, who leads the Louisiana National Guard, said the troops have successfully collaborated with various city, state and federal agencies to enhance public safety during major events, including the busy Mardi Gras period and carnival season.

“We remain committed to those partnerships as we continue supporting efforts to keep the City of New Orleans safe for residents and visitors,” Friloux stated.