NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana National Guard announced it is preparing to mobilize up to 1,000 soldiers in support of law enforcement across the state, pending federal funding approval.
Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Friloux, Louisiana’s adjutant general, said the deployment would be carried out under Title 32 USC 502(f) authority, which allows federal funding while keeping Guardsmen under state control. Coordination with law enforcement partners in select urban areas is already underway.
“No two Louisiana areas or cities are the same and each will require a specific operational approach tailored to their current situation,” Friloux said.
Guard officials said the deployment would be structured to maintain readiness for other emergencies, including hurricanes. Soldiers could be reassigned between security missions and disaster response as needed.
The Louisiana Guard has recently supported security operations for several large events, including the New Year’s Day terrorist attack, Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras. Its role in protecting infrastructure during hurricanes is also a recurring mission.
“The LANG is the home team, made up of Louisiana sons and daughters. We will carry out our duties with honor and treat all with dignity and respect,” Friloux said. “Protect what matters is our motto and protecting our citizens from crime fits within our primary mission.”