Guard's Role in New Orleans: More Than Just Numbers

New Orleans has seen a drop in crime. The Louisiana National Guard is taking some credit. They say their presence has helped local police. The Guard has been in the city since New Year's Eve. They will stay until the end of February. The Guard's work includes helping with big events. They were there for Carnival, the Sugar Bowl, and New Year's Eve. They also helped with human trafficking cases. Police made 175 arrests and seized drugs and guns. Four victims of human trafficking were rescued.Lt. Noel Collins is a spokesperson for the Guard. He says the Guard helps police do their jobs better. The Guard's presence alone can stop small crimes. But these crimes are hard to track. So, they may not show up in official reports. New Orleans had a low murder rate in 2024. It was the lowest in 50 years. Homicides, shootings, and robberies have been dropping. This is the third year in a row. President Donald Trump mentioned the Guard's role in this drop. The Guard's help is not new. They have assisted local police before. But not everyone agrees with their deployment. Courts in other states have blocked similar efforts.