Louisiana National Guard deploys to Washington, D.C

More than 60 Louisiana National Guard soldiers, organized as Task Force Pelican, have deployed to Washington, D.C. to support the District of Columbia National Guard, the Metropolitan Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies. The mission aims to reduce crime, restore law and order, and protect federal buildings and national monuments.

The deployment follows an order by President Donald Trump on August 11, 2025, declaring a crime emergency in the capital. While the total number of Guard members in the city has decreased from a summer peak of over 5,100 to fewer than 3,000, the Pentagon is preparing to maintain the operation through January 2029.

The presence of troops has drawn criticism from local officials. D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto expressed concerns regarding the visibility of armed National Guard members near schools and residential neighborhoods, stating that schools must remain welcoming environments for students and staff.