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NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The Louisiana National Guard will deploy to New Orleans for the Bayou Classic weekend as part of an ongoing security response to the Jan. 1 Bourbon Street terror attack.

Guardsmen will join Louisiana State Police and the New Orleans Police Department in the French Quarter from Friday through Sunday as crowds gather for the football festivities.

Officials said the National Guard presence is not in response to President Donald Trump’s national crime crackdown. New Orleans Homeland Security director Collin Arnold said the deployment represents “the State of Louisiana wanting to assist the City of New Orleans with security in a major event.”

Authorities will establish a guarded zone from Canal to St. Ann streets and from Royal to Dauphine streets as a safety measure. Visitors staying in this zone will need identification and hotel reservations to bring luggage into the area.

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Officials have also banned backpacks, coolers, ice chests and vehicles from the secure zone.

Basically the first 7 blocks of Bourbon Street

Louisiana State Police
HEADQUARTERS NEWS RELEASE
November 24, 2025
Increased Trooper Presence and Enhanced Security Measures Planned for Bayou Classic
New Orleans – With the 52nd annual Bayou Classic weekend approaching, safety in and around the French Quarter remains a top priority. Law enforcement officials have implemented additional safety measures for this year’s events. From Friday, November 28, 2025, through Sunday, November 30, 2025, Troopers and Agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will once again support the The City Of NOLA, New Orleans Police Department, and the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office to help ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Troopers and our public safety partner agencies will maintain a strong presence throughout the French Quarter, including along Bourbon Street.
In addition to this deployment, Troopers will work alongside the Louisiana National Guard to maintain the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone (FQESZ). As implemented during Super Bowl LIX and Carnival 2025, the FQESZ spans from Canal Street to St. Ann Street, between Royal and Dauphine Streets (See the attached graphic for a visual of the area).
The following guidelines are in place for the FQESZ:
· Backpack coolers and ice chests are prohibited within the FQESZ.
· Bags larger than 4.5” x 6.5” (approximately the size of a clutch handbag) are discouraged and subject to search by law enforcement before entering the FQESZ.
· Vehicles are prohibited from entering the FQESZ except for emergency purposes.
· Visitors staying at hotels on Bourbon Street should use Royal Street or Dauphine Street entrances to access their hotels. Visitors will be allowed access with luggage at the nearest barrier or cross street if the hotel does not have access to those streets. Visitors must provide proof of a hotel reservation and identification.
· Anyone refusing a search will be denied entry to the FQESZ.

This post was edited on 11/25/25 at 11:44 am