At a Glance
- 350 National Guard troops will be deployed in New Orleans for New Year’s security.
- Deployment follows a 2023 attack on Bourbon Street that killed 14 people.
- Over 800 law enforcement officials will also be present to patrol and secure the area.
- Why it matters: The move heightens security in a city that has seen a dramatic drop in violent crime, yet remains vigilant after a deadly attack.
New Orleans is preparing for a heightened security presence this New Year as President Donald Trump authorized a deployment of 350 National Guard troops to the city’s French Quarter. The move comes a year after a vehicle-ramming attack on Bourbon Street that killed 14 people, prompting a renewed focus on crowd control and emergency response.
Guard Deployment Details
The Guard will be stationed in the French Quarter, confined to the area popular with tourists, and will not participate in immigration enforcement. The troops will remain through the Carnival season, ending with Mardi Gras in mid-February.
Reese Harper said:
> “It’s no different than what we’ve seen in the past.”
Reese Harper added:
> “This is for visibility and just really to keep our citizens safe. It’s just another tool in the toolbox and another layer of security.”
- Visibility and deterrence
- Patrol of Bourbon Street
- Bag searches and traffic redirection
| Guard Members | Law Enforcement Officials |
|---|---|
| 350 | >800 |
The Guard’s presence is part of a broader security effort that includes federal agents conducting an immigration crackdown, which has led to the arrest of several hundred people. The Guard will focus solely on public safety and will not engage in immigration enforcement.
Community and Political Response
Mayor LaToya Cantrell welcomed the additional resources, saying she is “welcoming of those added resources.” Democrats had previously argued that the city’s crime rates had fallen, while Governor Jeff Landry requested 1,000 troops for Louisiana cities earlier this year.
Lt. Col. Noel Collins wrote that the Guard will:
> “to enhance capabilities, stabilize the environment, assist in reducing crime, and restoring public trust.”
- 100 Guard members were sent after the January 1 attack
- 350 Guard members are now deployed for New Year’s
- 800+ law enforcement officials will patrol the area
Key Takeaways
- 350 Guard troops are in New Orleans for New Year’s security.
- Over 800 law enforcement officials are on the streets.
- The Guard’s role is purely visibility and public safety, not immigration enforcement.
With the Guard and a large law enforcement presence on the streets, New Orleans aims to keep residents and visitors safe as celebrations roll out across the city.
