President Trump announced on Tuesday that National Guard troops will be deployed to New Orleans, adding to the federal presence in a city awaiting an immigration crackdown. The exact number of troops and arrival dates were not disclosed. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a Trump ally, had requested up to 1,000 troops to combat crime, expecting their arrival before Christmas. This move was praised by Trump during a recent White House meeting.
Concerns about crime rates in New Orleans have been raised by Landry, despite local police reporting a decrease in crime. He also expressed support for a Border Patrol-led immigration crackdown. Critics argue that federal troop deployment is unnecessary, especially as some cities, including New Orleans, have seen a reduction in violent crime rates.
In response to Landry’s request, National Guard troops were sought to address crime rates in Louisiana cities. The vulnerability to natural disasters in the state adds urgency to the need for additional support, particularly during major events. The deployment has sparked opposition from Mayor-elect Helena Moreno, who rejects the idea and fears potential rights violations due to federal immigration enforcement.
Representative Troy Carter strongly criticized the pending deployment, calling it a “political stunt” that could lead to confusion and mistakes. He emphasized the lack of coordination with local officials and the potential disruption of community relationships. New Orleans has experienced a decrease in violent incidents in recent years, though challenges remain.
Governor Landry has also suggested deploying troops to Baton Rouge and Shreveport, with local officials welcoming additional support to address public safety concerns. Previous deployments to New Orleans have been part of security measures following tragic incidents. Other cities across the U.S. have faced similar federal troop deployments, with legal challenges arising in some jurisdictions.