Could New Orleans soon find itself patrolled by a thousand soldiers of the National Guard? A draft memo leaked from the Pentagon shows there is a plan that could be put into action.
The Washington Post reports the memo shows the Trump administration would mobilize the guard for "drug interdiction" along with "communications and logistical support."
New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick in the past has said she would welcome any help.
"Whatever happens, this superintendent is going to work with anyone and everyone," she said.
City Council President J.P. Morrell says he would be more welcoming if he thought this was less about politics and instead the result of conversations with the city about needed resources.
"If this were more of a larger conversation about what resources the federal government prepared to give and there was a conversation with the cities affected, that would be productive," said Morrell. "That is not the conversation happening at the national level right now."
Chief Kirkpatrick says they weren't really consulted about Louisiana State Police Troop NOLA, either, but she kept an open mind.
"I'm going to embrace this," Kirkpatrick said. "We're going to be partners."
The chief says they work well with Troop NOLA, and she's sure they can work well with the guard, too.
Federal officials say the draft memo is not official policy, and state officials have not said yet if they will ask for National Guard assistance.
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