NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana National Guard concluded an eight-month security mission in New Orleans on Aug. 24, ending an operation that deployed hundreds of soldiers to support law enforcement and public safety efforts in the French Quarter.
The mission began in late December 2025, when more than 350 Guard soldiers mobilized as part of Operation NOLA Safe. The initial deployment covered New Year’s Eve, the Sugar Bowl and Carnival season before the force was reduced to about 120 soldiers in March.
Guard members worked with Louisiana State Police, the New Orleans Police Department and other agencies on patrols, access control and quick-reaction operations. The deployment supported security for residents, businesses and visitors in one of the city’s primary tourism and commercial districts.
As of Aug. 24, soldiers had conducted 4,126 patrols totaling 31,162 patrol hours, according to the Louisiana National Guard. They participated in 401 significant activities, assisted law enforcement with 171 arrests, supported 48 de-escalation incidents and provided first aid 103 times.
The Guard said several categories of violent crime declined in New Orleans’ 8th Police District during the deployment compared with the same period in 2025. Homicides fell from 15 to two, an 87% decrease. Simple robberies declined from 13 to nine, armed robberies fell from eight to seven, and aggravated batteries decreased from 17 to 15.
The changes occurred as local, state and federal agencies conducted a broader public safety effort in the district, making it difficult to attribute the reductions to any single agency or initiative.
During the operation, Guard members responded to incidents including crowd disturbances and medical emergencies and assisted with the apprehension of wanted individuals. Soldiers also worked with Louisiana State Police’s Troop NOLA and New Orleans police to adjust patrol locations and security operations as conditions changed in the French Quarter.
The extended deployment involved soldiers from multiple Louisiana National Guard commands and included command-and-control, security and support functions.
“This mission, though temporary, allowed our great Soldiers readiness training that they otherwise would not have experienced,” Gov. Jeff Landry said in a statement. “Their effort, along with Troop NOLA, has made the city the safest it’s ever been.”
Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana, said the deployment also strengthened coordination between the Guard and law enforcement agencies.
“Our Soldiers brought presence, professionalism, law enforcement skills, and a sense of safety to citizens and visitors, alike,” Friloux said. “This mission enhanced coordination and cooperation with our law enforcement partners which will pay dividends in the future.”
With the Guard’s final patrols completed Aug. 24, responsibility for ongoing security operations in New Orleans remains with local and state law enforcement agencies.