NEW ORLEANS (AP) – President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that National Guard troops are set to be deployed to New Orleans, which is preparing for a separate immigration enforcement initiative known as "Swamp Sweep." This operation aims to apprehend 5,000 individuals over the next few weeks. Although Trump did not specify the number of troops being sent or their exact arrival date, Republican Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry indicated that the troops are expected to arrive before Christmas.
Governor Landry, who has been an ally of Trump, requested assistance from the Trump administration in September, seeking up to 1,000 National Guard members to help combat crime in New Orleans. He has pointed to his concerns about rising violent crime rates in the city, despite local law enforcement officials reporting a decrease in crime. In a statement this week, Landry expressed his support for the "Swamp Sweep" operation, emphasizing the need for federal intervention in the Democratic-led city.
Critics of the troop deployment argue that it is unnecessary, especially since New Orleans is on track for one of its safest years since the 1970s. The murder rate in New Orleans had reached alarming levels in 2022, marking it the "murder capital of the country" at a rate of 70 per 100,000 residents, with 266 reported murders that year. However, recent crime data shows that shootings, carjackings, and armed robberies have sharply declined, contributing to a projected low number of homicides this year.
Opposition to the troop deployment includes Mayor-elect Helena Moreno, a Democrat, who has raised concerns about potential civil rights violations associated with federal immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, outgoing Mayor LaToya Cantrell has maintained an openness to federal cooperation to enhance public safety. A spokesperson for her administration emphasized a collaborative history with state and federal law enforcement, including the National Guard.
Local officials worry that deploying troops could disrupt New Orleans’ cultural traditions, such as second line parades, and could undermine community-police relationships. U.S. Representative Troy Carter, a Louisiana Democrat, expressed strong disapproval of the troop deployment, characterizing it as a "political stunt" that could lead to chaos and confusion, as the militarized forces may not be familiar with local laws or community dynamics.
Previous deployments of National Guard members included the assignment of 100 troops to the city following a deadly truck attack on Bourbon Street during New Year’s festivities in January 2022. Governor Landry has also signaled intentions to send troops to other cities in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge and Shreveport, in response to ongoing crime concerns.
Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards acknowledged the value of additional support amid a police shortage despite the city's homicide rate being on a decline. Shreveport's Mayor Tom Arceneaux expressed a willingness to collaborate with the National Guard while preferring state police for local support.
Louisiana is the latest state where Trump has attempted to deploy National Guard troops, following similar moves in cities such as Los Angeles, Baltimore, and Washington. Some jurisdictions run by Democrats have sought legal actions against proposed troop deployments, as seen in recent events in Chicago and Portland.
