Trump Administration Deploys National Guard Troops to New Orleans Ahead of New Year
By AAMER MADHANI
The Trump administration is sending 350 National Guard troops to New Orleans in preparation for the New Year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration crackdown led by Border Patrol in the city.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced that the Guard members will be supporting federal law enforcement partners, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, until February.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry commended President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for orchestrating the deployment, stating that it will help combat violence in New Orleans and throughout the state.
However, critics argue that the deployment may instill fear in the community, despite the fact that violent crime rates in New Orleans have actually decreased.
Simultaneously, Border Patrol agents have been conducting an immigration crackdown in the city, with a goal of 5,000 arrests over several months.
Landry had previously requested 1,000 federally funded troops for Louisiana cities due to crime concerns, and he has praised Trump for sending troops to other cities like Washington and Memphis, Tennessee.
In a surprising move, Trump appointed Landry as his special envoy to Greenland, emphasizing the U.S.’s interest in the strategic territory.
New Orleans has been experiencing a decline in murders, with preliminary data showing a significant decrease compared to previous years.
Despite the challenges, New Orleans remains resilient, with National Guard members providing additional security measures during major events like the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.
Associated Press reporter Sara Cline in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, contributed to this report.
