New Orleans, September 6, 2025

News Summary

President Trump is exploring the option of deploying federal troops to New Orleans in response to rising crime rates, with support from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. This consideration also follows a notable decrease in homicides in Shreveport, where Landry has emphasized the need for federal assistance. Trump believes military intervention could effectively tackle local crime issues more swiftly than government efforts from Washington, D.C. The discussions revolve around public safety and potential federal involvement in crime reduction strategies, with varying perspectives on its long-term implications.

New Orleans

President Donald Trump is considering the deployment of federal troops to New Orleans in response to increasing crime rates in the city. Trump has indicated that he believes military assistance could resolve local crime issues more effectively than governmental efforts based in Washington, D.C. Republican Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, is supportive of federal assistance, extending the request for help to both New Orleans and Shreveport.

During a recent statement, Trump weighed the potential troop deployment between New Orleans and Chicago, ultimately suggesting that the crime problem in New Orleans could be “straightened out in about two weeks.” His remarks pointed to a sense of urgency regarding the situation, underscoring his belief that immediate intervention is necessary.

In response to the President’s considerations, Governor Landry expressed readiness to accept federal support for improving safety in the cities. Social media statements from Landry reinforced his endorsement, indicating a unified front in addressing crime. It is noteworthy that Landry had previously deployed 150 Louisiana National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., at Trump’s request for similar issues concerning urban crime.

Senator Bill Cassidy has supported the initiative, asserting that an increased military presence often enhances public safety, although he cautioned that such measures should not be viewed as long-term solutions. Meanwhile, Shreveport’s Mayor Tom Arceneaux has expressed a willingness to engage in discussions surrounding additional support. However, initially, he did not advocate for the National Guard’s deployment.

The safety situation in Shreveport has seen some improvement, with 24 reported homicides as of mid-August, significantly lower than the 39 homicides recorded in the same period the previous year—a noteworthy 43% decrease. While Mayor Arceneaux has acknowledged the city’s progress in combatting crime, he emphasized the ongoing need for additional resources to bolster local police efforts.

As of now, the National Guard is prepared to mobilize but has yet to receive an official directive for deployment in Louisiana. Crime statistics for New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport show a positive trend, with New Orleans experiencing an overall decline in crime rates of 21.5% so far this year. Trump has committed to making a decision about troop deployment within the coming weeks, while critics have pointed out that military interventions often target Democratic-led areas, raising concerns about the equity of such actions.

Background on Crime in Louisiana Cities

In recent times, Louisiana has struggled with crime, particularly in its major cities. The surge in crime rates has prompted local and state leaders to seek federal assistance. Mayor Arceneaux defended Shreveport’s safety after it was criticized in comparison to San Francisco by California Governor Gavin Newsom. As the cities work towards improving public safety, the conversation around federal troop assistance continues to evoke diverse opinions.

Key Statistics

• 24 homicides in Shreveport as of mid-August 2023
• 43% decrease in homicides from 39 in the same period last year
• New Orleans reports a 21.5% decrease in overall crime rates

Potential Consequences of Troop Deployment

The deployment of the National Guard may provide short-term relief in crime reduction efforts. However, experts caution that a military presence may not resolve underlying issues contributing to crime. As discussions around this topic continue, both supporters and opponents are vocal regarding the potential impacts on local communities and governance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Overall Crime Statistics in Louisiana Cities

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Shreveport Times
• KSLA News
• WDSU News
• MSN News
• KSLA News
• Wikipedia: New Orleans
• Google Search: Trump troops New Orleans
• Google Scholar: Crime in Louisiana cities
• Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans crime
• Google News: Louisiana crime troop deployment

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.