Louisiana National Guard returns home for city’s largest events over next two months 

The Department of War is sending 350 Louisiana National Guard members back to their home state to ensure greater protection during major events through the end of February, according to a Dec. 23 statement.

“I want to thank President Trump. He is fulfilling his commitment,” Gov. Jeff Landry told Louisiana First News before Christmas.

“He and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth are sending the National Guard back into Louisiana, into New Orleans. They will be there for New Year’s Eve, and they’re going to be there for a deployment through February, which we desperately need.”

The guardsmen, previously stationed in Washington, D.C., transferred to New Orleans shortly after Christmas to enhance security in the French Quarter, and will remain there for the Sugar Bowl and Mardi Gras events, according to Louisiana’s National Guard press release. 

The National Guard supports local, state and federal law enforcement to “stabilize the environment, assist in reducing crime, and restor[ing] public trust,” according to the release. 

“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,” Maj. Gen. Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana, said in a statement. 

“We will focus on a uniformed presence to enhance the quality of life of our residents and visitors in partnership with Troop NOLA of the Louisiana State Police and the New Orleans Police Department.” 

Landry said the Louisiana National Guard was one of the first to assist the Trump administration in its crackdown on crime in Washington, D.C. He said these efforts have made the city “so much better,” and now the troops will do the same for New Orleans and other Louisiana cities.  

“We know how to make cities safe, and the National Guard complements cities that are having high crime problems,” Landry said. “They’re going to be here in New Orleans. It’s going to help us further crack down on the violence here in the city of New Orleans and elsewhere around Louisiana.”