Louisiana National Guard concludes New Orleans security mission

NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana National Guard Soldiers concluded eight months of security operations in New Orleans Aug. 24, following a sustained mission supporting local, state and federal law enforcement partners and public safety efforts in the French Quarter.

The mission began in late December 2025, when more than 350 Louisiana National Guard Soldiers were mobilized in support of Operation NOLA Safe. Guardsmen initially assigned to Task Force Defender provided security during New Year's Eve, the Sugar Bowl and Carnival season before the mission transitioned to a smaller force of approximately 120 Soldiers in March to continue operations in New Orleans.

Throughout the mission, Louisiana National Guard Soldiers worked alongside the Louisiana State Police, New Orleans Police Department and other partner agencies, conducting presence patrols, joint law enforcement patrols, access control and quick reaction force operations in support of residents, businesses and millions of visitors to New Orleans.

"I'd like to thank President Donald Trump and Major General Thomas Friloux for their hard work and commitment to make the City of New Orleans safe. This mission, though temporary, allowed our great Soldiers readiness training that they otherwise would not have experienced. Their effort, along with Troop NOLA, has made the city the safest it's ever been," said Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry.

As of Aug. 24, Guardsmen had conducted 4,126 patrols totaling 31,162 patrol hours. Soldiers participated in 401 significant activities, assisted law enforcement with 171 arrests, supported 48 de-escalation incidents and provided first aid on 103 occasions.

Over the course of the operation, New Orleans' 8th Police District, where Louisiana National Guard Soldiers conducted patrols and security operations, experienced reductions in several violent crime categories compared with the same period in 2025. Homicides decreased 87%, from 15 to two; simple robberies decreased 31%, from 13 to nine; armed robberies decreased 13%, from eight to seven; and aggravated batteries decreased 12%, from 17 to 15. These changes occurred amid a broader multiagency public safety effort involving local, state and federal partners throughout the district.

During the mission, Guardsmen assisted law enforcement with real-world incidents ranging from crowd disturbances and medical emergencies to the apprehension of wanted individuals. Soldiers also worked directly with LSP Troop NOLA and the NOPD to adapt patrol locations and security operations based on changing conditions throughout the French Quarter.

The mission also demonstrated the Louisiana National Guard's ability to sustain domestic operations over an extended period while integrating forces from across the organization. Soldiers from multiple major commands supported Task Force Defender and Task Force NOLA during the operation, providing command and control, security and support capabilities throughout the mission.

"I am extraordinarily proud of the Guardsmen who participated in the New Orleans security mission," said Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana. "Our Soldiers brought presence, professionalism, law enforcement skills, and a sense of safety to citizens and visitors, alike. This mission enhanced coordination and cooperation with our law enforcement partners which will pay dividends in the future."

The Louisiana National Guard's support in New Orleans reflects its longstanding domestic mission of assisting civil authorities during emergencies and major public safety operations. As Guardsmen completed their final patrols during the early hours of Aug. 24, responsibility for continued security operations remained with local and state law enforcement partners.