President Donald Trump suggested on Wednesday that he might send National Guard troops into New Orleans.
Trump noted the cooperation he's received from Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry over expanded ICE operations here.
New Orleans City Councilmember and mayoral candidate Helena Moreno said, "We cannot allow this and I will fight to prevent any federal takeover of New Orleans.”
“We have had unprecedented reduction in crime and violence in New Orleans. This is an attack on certain cities. There are many cities with mayors aligned with this President whose crime issues are severe, but they’re not targeted. That clearly shows that this is about scare tactics and politicizing public safety," Moreno added.
"Sending troops into Black and Brown cities is not a solution – it’s a political stunt," said District B Councilmember Lesli Harris.
While not directly addressing Trump's suggestion, the City of New Orleans and New Orleans Police Department issued a joint statement that said in part that the city and NOPD "continue to observe a significant reduction in crime, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the men and women of the NOPD, the strategic use of advanced technology, and a steadfast commitment to constitutional policing."
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) said he would support troop deployment.
“The National Guard in Washington, D.C. demonstrated that more uniforms on the street, whatever the color of the uniform is, makes our community safer. It is not a long-term solution, but this gives us a chance to demonstrate that it is just as true in Louisiana as it is in Washington, D.C.,” said Cassidy.