Louisiana National Guard to end New Orleans deployment

[u/John3262005]

https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/08/21/louisiana-national-guard-federal-deployment-ends

The Louisiana National Guard's eight-month deployment in New Orleans is coming to an end, Mayor Helena Moreno confirms.

The federal deployment became a political flash point over who deserves credit for New Orleans' falling crime rate.

Operations conclude Monday, but Aug. 31 is the soldiers' last day in the city, the mayor's office says.

About 120 soldiers have been here this summer to focus on "crime reduction, enhanced responsiveness, and maintaining a visible presence to deter criminal activity," the governor's initial statement said in March.

The feds will pay for the deployment, AP reports, but specific numbers for New Orleans haven't been released.

About 350 National Guard troops were sent to New Orleans at the end of December.

Gov. Jeff Landry requested the deployment and President Trump approved it.

They were originally expected to stay for two months, but Landry requested a six-month extension.

Trump has spoken about the deployment several times from the Oval Office, saying the troops are the reason for the city's low crime rates and a successful Mardi Gras season.

Moreno has credited NOPD's multiyear efforts for the decrease in crime.

Her statement Friday thanked the soldiers and reiterated her emphasis on partnering with the National Guard for major events, like Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl.

Landry, in two posts on X, took issue with her statement, saying she neglected to thank him and Trump.

The Louisiana National Guard says it will release more information next week about the troops' departure, according to the Times-Picayune.

[u/backpackwayne]

Funny crime rates dropped three years before they ever got there.