The Trump administration has authorised the deployment of 350 National Guard troops to New Orleans, Louisiana, in a move that has ignited controversy over its necessity. The troops, who began patrolling areas like Bourbon Street from 5 February 2025, will remain in the city through the end of the month, a period that encompasses the high-profile Super Bowl event.
Security Rationale and Political Backing
According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, the guard members will be tasked with supporting federal law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. The deployment was coordinated with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and has received strong backing from Louisiana's Republican Governor, Jeff Landry.
In an appearance on Fox News, Governor Landry praised President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, stating the troops would help "further crack down on the violence here in the city of New Orleans and elsewhere around Louisiana." Landry had previously requested 1,000 federally funded troops for Louisiana cities back in September, citing crime concerns.
Criticism and Contrasting Crime Statistics
Critics have been quick to label the deployment as an unwarranted show of force that could instil fear in the community. They point to official data showing that New Orleans has been experiencing a significant decrease in violent crime. Preliminary police figures indicate the city was on pace for much of the year to record its lowest number of murders in decades.
As of 1 November 2025, there had been 97 homicides, a notable drop from 124 in 2024 and 193 in 2023. This year's figure includes the 14 revelers killed in the tragic New Year's Day truck attack on Bourbon Street, carried out by a US army veteran driving a pickup truck bearing an Islamic State group flag. Trends in armed robberies, aggravated assaults, and carjackings have also been moving downward.
Broader Federal Operations and Political Appointments
This military deployment to the Democratic-led city coincides with a separate, ongoing immigration crackdown being conducted by border patrol agents. Since the beginning of the month, agents have arrested several hundred people, with a stated goal of 5,000 arrests over a months-long operation.
In a related political development, President Trump announced on Sunday that he was appointing Governor Jeff Landry to serve as his special envoy to Greenland, the vast semi-autonomous Danish territory that Trump has previously expressed interest in the US acquiring.
This is not the first time National Guard members have been present in New Orleans recently. In January, 100 troops were sent following the New Year's Day attack, and they have also been deployed for other major events this year, including Mardi Gras and the upcoming Super Bowl, underscoring the city's familiarity with a heightened security presence during large gatherings.
