Federal and local law enforcement agencies in New Orleans have announced the results of Operation NOLA Safe, a coordinated effort to reduce violent crime ahead of Mardi Gras. Officials also introduced the new Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), which aims to disrupt illegal drug and human trafficking, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and combat firearms trafficking.
Operation NOLA Safe brought together federal, state, and local agencies to target areas with high rates of violent crime using data-driven strategies. The operation has led to 175 arrests and the seizure of 114 firearms. Authorities also confiscated significant quantities of drugs, including over 20 kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of fentanyl, more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, nearly 42,000 tapentadol pills, and other illegal substances. Officials expect that these efforts will lead to ongoing investigations.
The HSTF was created following a January 2025 executive order from President Trump titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” The task force is co-led by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and includes multi-agency teams focused on intelligence-led operations against threats such as drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, sex trafficking, human smuggling, and activities by transnational criminal organizations.
According to officials, the HSTF’s mission is national in scope but also targets specific threats within Louisiana. Its work includes identifying and prosecuting groups involved in cross-border crimes like drug trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking—including offenses involving children—alien smuggling, weapons violations, and related federal crimes.
U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle said: “Today’s law enforcement operation announcements are, at their core, about one thing … public safety. Safety for all of us, as we work to support and protect our families, as well as to celebrate the uniquely rich culture we enjoy in Southeast Louisiana, of which Mardi Gras is an integral part. The mission of all of us behind this microphone today is the same; to enforce the laws of the land and to protect the public that we are proud to serve.”
FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp stated: “We’re getting the job done with intelligence – surveillance – and leads that we’re getting from the community. Our agents and task force officers are using their collective knowledge and expertise to stop criminal activity in its tracks. These aren’t just investigations or statistics for us. We eat, sleep, and breathe violent crime. We are committed to making New Orleans one of the safest places in the country.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright added: “HSI is proud to co-lead the new Homeland Security Task Force and Operation NOLA Safe with the FBI, partnering with our state, local, and federal partners to help ensure public safety. We are committed to combating transnational crime, crimes of exploitation, and other crimes impacting our communities. As part of our overall commitment, through partnerships and specialized expertise, HSI dismantles criminal networks ensuring that offenders are brought to justice and victims receive the support they deserve.”
ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson commented: “ATF’s core mission and purpose are to have impact in preventing reducing,and solving violent crime to support public safety.This operation represents a new levelof coordination focus,and determinationin our collective fight against violent crime.”
Shameka Jackson from U.S.Postal Inspection Service said:“The safetyand securityof Postal Service employeesis coreto themissionofthe U.S.Postal Inspection Service,and wewillwork aggressivelytobringtojusticethosewhocommitviolentcrimesagainstouremployees.Today’spressconferenceistheculminationofexceptionalteamworkbetweenpostalinspectorsandallourstate local,andfederalpartners.Weextendourappreciationtoallinvolvedinmakingthisinitiativeasuccess.”
Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley noted:“It’s no secret thatthe Kenner Police Department fostersandis enrichedbyourrelationshipsonlocal,stateandfederallevels.Byworkingcollaboratively,wecancrossmultiplejurisdictionsandtrulyamplifyourabilitytoreduceandsolveviolentcrime.”
Participating agencies include several federal bodies such as Bureau of Alcohol,Tobacco Firearms&Explosives(ATF),Drug Enforcement Administration(DEA),Homeland Security Investigations(FBI),U.S.Marshals Service,U.S.Postal Inspection Service,U.S.Customs&Border Protection,Louisiana National Guard,Louisiana State Police,and multiple parish sheriff’s offices along with city police departments across Greater New Orleans.
