Louisiana National Guard’s Eight-Month Deployment in New

NEW ORLEANS, La. — After eight months on the streets of New Orleans, the Louisiana National Guard’s extended deployment in the city is coming to an end.

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno’s office confirmed Friday that the Guard’s final day of operations will be Monday, August 24, with troops expected to officially leave the city by August 31.

The deployment began in late December, when approximately 350 National Guard members were sent to New Orleans following a request from Gov. Jeff Landry that was approved by President Donald Trump.

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What was initially expected to be a much shorter deployment was eventually extended, keeping Guard members in the city for roughly eight months.

Their mission included supporting law enforcement, increasing the visible security presence and assisting with public safety during major events.

The deployment also became part of a much larger political debate over New Orleans’ falling crime rate.

Trump and Landry have pointed to the National Guard and increased law-enforcement presence as contributing factors in the city’s improvements in public safety.

Moreno, meanwhile, has emphasized that New Orleans’ decline in violent crime began before the Guard deployment and has credited the New Orleans Police Department’s longer-term crime-reduction efforts.

Now, with the Guard preparing to leave, that debate could become even more significant.

Moreno thanked Guard members and their families Friday for their service during the extended deployment.

“While this deployment is ending, our partnership is not,” Moreno said.

She said the National Guard has historically worked alongside New Orleans public-safety agencies during major events such as Mardi Gras and indicated that relationship will continue even after the extended deployment ends.

The Louisiana National Guard is expected to release additional information regarding the conclusion of its mission.

For New Orleans, however, the bigger question may come after the troops leave:

Will the city’s recent improvements in violent crime continue without the National Guard’s daily presence?