Public safety is the foundation of every thriving community. Without it, businesses close, families move away, and neighborhoods deteriorate. Unfortunately, many of America’s cities have been plagued by rising violence, carjackings, and lawlessness fueled by soft-on-crime policies. Leaders who refuse to act have left ordinary citizens paying the price.

President Donald J. Trump has shown a different path forward. His effort to Make Washington, D.C. Safe Again has already produced remarkable results. Since his administration stepped in, more than 1,800 criminals have been arrested, nearly 200 illegal firearms seized, and violent crime has dropped by 25 percent. Carjackings are down by 85 percent and robberies by 42 percent. These are not abstract numbers – they represent safer streets, fewer victims, and communities beginning to recover.

The turnaround came because President Trump was willing to take decisive action where others would not. For years, residents were told by Democratic leaders that crime was under control, even as families lived in fear. Now the President appears to be setting his eyes on New Orleans. I join Governor Landry in welcoming any and all resources the President is willing to provide.

Governor Landry has a proven law and order record, first as our State’s Attorney General and now as our governor.

Reducing crime was a key campaign promise of Landry during his campaign. Since his inauguration in 2024, he has delivered significant results for Louisiana. He called a crime special session to roll back the senseless “reforms” of John Bel Edwards, he stood up Troop NOLA, and had successfully partnered with multiple law enforcement agencies to put criminals behind bars. Last month, he announced the success of “Operation Violent Crime Takedown,” which resulted in over 100 arrests and took guns and drugs off our streets. And even more recently, Landry brought in DHS Secretary Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Deputy Director Sheahan (ICE), to announce the opening of Camp 57, which will house the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens. President Trump and Governor Landry know how to fight crime, and their records prove it.

Deploying the National Guard in New Orleans would help ensure that law enforcement has the manpower and resources to restore order. Their presence is not about politics – it is about protecting families, businesses, and visitors in one of America’s great cities. New Orleans has long been burdened by violent crime, and the President’s and Governor’s willingness to act sends a clear message: lawlessness will not be tolerated.

Public safety should not be a partisan issue. Every parent wants to know their children can walk to school without fear. Every business owner deserves to operate in a community where crime is not a daily threat. President Trump’s actions in Washington and Governor Landry’s actions in New Orleans are restoring that basic sense of security.

While it remains to be seen if the Guard will be sent to New Orleans, one thing should be clear. Those who wish to perpetrate crime in our State should be on notice! I’m proud of President Trump and Governor Landry for their continued commitment to making our communities safer.

Derek Babcock
Chairman – Republican Party of Louisiana