Louisiana National Guard's Potential Deployment: Financial and Timeframe Details Unknown
Louisiana is in the spotlight as the potential deployment of National Guard troops to heavily affected crime areas in the state is under consideration by the Trump administration. According to leaked Pentagon documents obtained by The Washington Post, the deployment could involve up to 1,000 troops.
If the mobilization occurs, it will be managed under Title 32 of the U.S. Code, which allows the National Guard troops to remain under the command of their respective state governors, in this case, Republican Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana. Despite federal-level coordination or deployment plans, the troops would remain under the control of their home state, a move that the Defense Department is seeking to facilitate by funding the deployment.
Governor Landry has expressed his support for the idea of using National Guard troops to control crime, stating his thoughts on the matter in early September. His stance has, however, faced criticism from the Louisiana Democratic Party, who view the potential deployment as an unnecessary military occupation. In a Facebook post earlier this month, the party stated, "Louisiana doesn't need a military occupation. We need leaders who invest in our people."
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux has also weighed in on the potential deployment, expressing his respect for Governor Landry's concern for public safety across Louisiana. He added that Shreveport remains prepared and focused on the safety and well-being of its residents, and that any city of its size can always use additional resources in the battle against crime. The question, according to Mayor Arceneaux, is how, when, and in what form to provide those resources.
It's important to note that some National Guard troops from Louisiana are already in Washington, D.C. to support a Title 32 deployment there, but the exact number is not specified on the operation's website. The Louisiana National Guard, however, is not currently mobilized, according to LTC Noel Collins, the Director of Public Affairs.
Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office reported that taxpayers are covering $118 million in costs for the National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, which took place under Title 10, meaning troop control remained federal, as opposed to state.
President Donald Trump has also considered a National Guard deployment to New Orleans, and mentioned possible deployments to Chicago and St. Louis. However, a deployment to Memphis, Tenn. has not yet begun, and the National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. remain under state control, despite federal funding, according to the Defense Department's plans.
As the situation develops, it's clear that the potential deployment of National Guard troops is a topic of contention in Louisiana and across the nation. The concerns and opinions of local leaders, such as Governor Landry and Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux, will continue to play a significant role in shaping the outcome of this situation.
