New Orleans is about to see an unprecedented security surge for its New Year’s celebrations, as President Trump has authorized a massive National Guard deployment, as per Denver7 Colorado News. If you’re planning on hitting Bourbon Street, prepare for a radically different experience.
City officials confirmed that more than 800 local, state, and federal law enforcement officers will be patrolling the city. This massive show of force means Bourbon Street will be completely closed off to cars and trucks. On top of that, you can expect mandatory bag searches and heavy traffic redirection throughout the area. This isn’t just a standard police presence; it’s a multi-layered security operation designed to be impossible to miss.
The intense mobilization is a direct response to the horrific vehicle-ramming attack that occurred last year on January 1. In the early hours of New Year’s Day, an attacker bypassed a police blockade and drove down Bourbon Street, plowing into people celebrating and killing 14 revelers. The attacker, who was a U.S. citizen and Army veteran, was eventually fatally shot by police after crashing. Law enforcement later found multiple non-detonated bombs hidden in coolers around the French Quarter.
The sheer number of security personnel is going to make the French Quarter look less like a party spot and more like a fortress
Because of that nightmare scenario, the security this year is going to be incredibly tight. The National Guard deployment will include 350 troops who are expected to stay in the Big Easy all the way through the Carnival season, ending after Mardi Gras in mid-February. The Guard’s mission is focused specifically on the French Quarter, which is the popular tourist hub.
While the National Guard is arriving, it’s important to note the political backdrop. This deployment follows other high-profile National Guard missions launched by the Trump administration in cities like Washington and Memphis, Tennessee. President Trump, in fact, threatened to use more military force than just the National Guard in cities across America. However, this specific aid has received local support. Mayor LaToya Cantrell said she is “welcoming of those added resources.”
There is also a separate federal issue currently underway in the city. Since the start of the month, federal agents have been carrying out an immigration crackdown that has already led to hundreds of arrests. Harper was quick to clarify that the National Guard will absolutely not be engaging in immigration enforcement. “This is for visibility and just really to keep our citizens safe,” Harper confirmed.
Interestingly, local leaders have previously shown reluctance toward massive deployments. Last September, Governor Jeff Landry asked President Trump to send 1,000 troops to Louisiana cities, citing concerns about crime. At the time, Democratic leaders in New Orleans pushed back, arguing that the city had actually seen a dramatic decrease in violent crime rates in recent years and that such a large deployment was unwarranted.
If you’re heading down to party, you can feel confident you’re protected, but you should definitely expect some serious bottlenecks and checkpoints.
Published: Dec 30, 2025 04:00 pm