Louisiana Requests National Guard Deployment to Combat Rising Crime Through 2026

By Staff Writer
September 29, 2025

BATON ROUGE, La. — Governor Jeff Landry has officially requested federal assistance to deploy up to 1,000 Louisiana National Guard personnel through the end of Fiscal Year 2026 in response to surging crime rates across the state.

In a letter addressed to U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Governor Landry outlined the severity of the situation, citing rising rates of homicide, carjacking, and gang-related violence in Louisiana’s largest cities — Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans — coupled with critical manpower shortages in local law enforcement.

“The State of Louisiana is officially submitting a request for federal assistance (RFA) to activate up to 1,000 Louisiana National Guard personnel under Title 32, United States Code, Section 502(f) through the end of Fiscal Year 2026,” the letter reads.

Addressing Crime and Public Safety Challenges

Governor Landry noted that crime levels in some areas significantly exceed the national average. Law enforcement agencies, already strained, are further pressured by Louisiana’s recurring vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly hurricanes.

The proposed National Guard mission would:

• Deploy forces to urban centers across the state
• Supplement local law enforcement presence in high-crime areas
• Provide logistical and communication support
• Secure critical infrastructure

Operations would follow strict rules for the use of force and emphasize community outreach to maintain public trust.

Building on Previous Guard Deployments

The governor’s office highlighted the success of past Louisiana National Guard activations, including deployments following Hurricane Ida (2021), Hurricane Francine (2024), and during major events like Mardi Gras and Super Bowl LIX.

According to state data, Guard support during early 2025 contributed to a 50% reduction in crime in affected areas.

National and Regional Impact

Governor Landry referenced similar Title 32 deployments in Washington, D.C. and Tennessee as models for Louisiana’s approach. The requested deployment would also provide added security during several high-profile events, including the Bayou Classic, the Sugar Bowl, and Mardi Gras 2026.