The Trump administration approved sending 350 National Guard troops to New Orleans to support federal law enforcement through February. Governor Jeff Landry praised the move as a crime-fighting measure, while critics warn it could intimidate residents amid declining violent-crime trends. The deployment coincides with a months-long Border Patrol operation that has made several hundred arrests with a stated goal of 5,000. City data show New Orleans on pace for one of its lowest homicide totals in decades, including 14 victims of a New Year’s Day truck attack.
Trump Approves 350 National Guard Troops for New Orleans as Border Patrol Operation Continues
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry speaks to reporters at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana, Sept. 3, 2025. (Gerald Herbert/AP)
The Trump administration has approved the deployment of 350 National Guard troops to New Orleans ahead of the New Year, officials said. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the troops will support federal law enforcement partners, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, and are scheduled to remain in place through February.
Governor's Response. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican, praised President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for coordinating the deployment. In an interview on Fox News' "The Will Cain Show," Landry said the Guard presence "is going to help us further crack down on the violence here in the city of New Orleans and elsewhere around Louisiana," and offered "a big shoutout to both of them."
Critics' Concerns. Critics argue the deployment is unnecessary and risks intimidating residents. They point to recent declines in several violent-crime categories in New Orleans and warn that a visible military-style presence could strain community relations.
Timing And Context. The Guard deployment coincides with a U.S. Border Patrol crackdown that began at the start of the month. The Department of Homeland Security says agents have arrested several hundred people in the first weeks of an operation expected to run for months, with a stated goal of 5,000 arrests.
Crime Trends. City figures indicate New Orleans has been on pace for much of the year to record one of its lowest homicide totals in decades. As of Nov. 1, 2025, preliminary police data showed 97 homicides for the year — a figure that includes 14 victims killed in a New Year’s Day truck attack on Bourbon Street in which a pickup truck driven by a U.S. Army veteran, displaying a flag linked to the Islamic State group, struck revelers before the driver was fatally shot by police. For comparison, the city reported 124 homicides last year and 193 in 2023.
Previous Guard Deployments. New Orleans has hosted National Guard personnel for major events this year, including the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. In January, following the New Year’s Day attack, 100 Guard members were sent to the city to assist with security measures.
Background. In September, Gov. Landry requested federal support for up to 1,000 federally funded troops across Louisiana, citing crime concerns. Landry has publicly praised prior troop deployments to other cities, including Washington and Memphis. Separately, President Trump recently announced he would appoint Landry as a special envoy to Greenland.
Associated Press reporter Sara Cline in Baton Rouge contributed to this report.
