Trump’s National Guard Troops Headed to New Orleans Amid Controversy
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced that National Guard troops will soon be deployed to New Orleans, adding another layer to the federal response in a city that’s primed for an immigration crackdown set to begin this week. However, specifics around troop numbers and arrival dates remain as elusive as a good cup of café au lait during Mardi Gras.
Governor’s Request and Federal Support
Republican Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, has been vocal about his request for up to 1,000 troops to combat crime. He expects the National Guard to arrive in New Orleans before Christmas, which sounds almost like a holiday gift, albeit with a slightly more militarized bow.
“Gov. Landry — a great guy, a great governor — he’s asked for help in New Orleans. And we’re going to go there in a couple of weeks,” Trump proclaimed during a Cabinet meeting. Landry has pitched the federal intervention as a proactive measure in response to rising crime rates, despite local police insisting that crime is actually decreasing.
The Swamp Sweep
In a twist worthy of a thriller novel, Landry tweeted that “We Welcome the Swamp Sweep in Louisiana,” referring to a Border Patrol-led operation aiming to arrest 5,000 individuals in the coming weeks. The deployment of federal troops, however, has raised eyebrows among critics who argue that it’s both unnecessary and contradictory. After all, New Orleans is statistically on track to experience one of its safest years since the 1970s. Go figure.
Crime Rates: A Tale of Two Cities
Last year, New Orleans earned the notorious title of the “murder capital of the country,” but that’s not the whole picture. With 266 murders reported — a staggering rate of 70 per 100,000 residents — the city has seen a sharp decline in violent crime this year. As of early November, the local police department reported a total of just 97 murders.
| Year | Murder Rate |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 70 per 100,000 |
| 2023 | On track for record low |
Political Reactions and Concerns
Incoming Mayor Helena Moreno, a Democrat set to take office in January, has firmly rejected the idea of deploying the National Guard, voicing apprehension that an immigration enforcement surge might lead to potential rights violations. Outgoing Mayor LaToya Cantrell, meanwhile, has expressed openness to collaboration with federal authorities, though her administration is facing its own legal quandaries.
Landry’s proposal for deploying troops has stirred local debate. Some New Orleans officials worry about the disruption of cultural traditions like second-line parades. After all, who wants to compete with the sounds of brass bands when your aim is to keep the peace?
Wider Context of National Guard Deployments
In the past few months, Trump has sent or attempted to send National Guard troops to cities from Los Angeles to Memphis. These deployments often meet resistance in Democratic-controlled areas, where officials have turned to legal avenues to block them.
In Baton Rouge, Mayor Sid Edwards has expressed that additional local law enforcement resources could provide much-needed “boots on the ground,” even as violent crime continues to plague the capital city. Meanwhile, Shreveport’s Republican Mayor Tom Arceneaux has noted a decrease in violent crime but remains cautiously open to assistance.
As New Orleans braces for the arrival of the National Guard, the city finds itself at the intersection of federal intervention, local governance, and deep-rooted community traditions. Navigating these waters will undoubtedly require a careful balance — and perhaps a little less brass and a lot more dialogue.
