Operation Golden Eagle has come to an end for 2026.
The NOPD partnered with state and federal law enforcement partners for a 16th summer, and officials say this year's operation was a success.
"Our team made 231 felony arrests," NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said, adding that law enforcement arrested 88 fugitives, seized 114 guns, and recovered 18 stolen cars during Operation Golden Eagle. "Those numbers actually matter because behind every arrest, every warrant, and every firearm seized is an opportunity to interrupt violence before another family is impacted."
Operation Golden Eagle statisticsNew Orleans Police Department
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Tapp called Operation Golden Eagle is a model of success for other police departments and a model for FBI offices across the country.
"All this proactive police work was coordinated (and) controlled by intelligence-driven investigations," Tapp said. "We'll continue to disrupt and dismantle the criminal organizations that undermine the safety of our communities."
Although Operation Golden Eagle may be over, law enforcement leaders say they will continue to track down criminals.
"We identify the people driving violence, we share intelligence quickly, and we bring every available resource to bear," Kirkpatrick said. "We are going to keep the pressure on. We are going to keep strengthening these partnerships. And we will keep going after the people who bring violence, guns, and dangerous drugs into our neighborhoods."
Louisiana State Police Superintendent Frank Besson echoed those sentiments.
"And let me make this clear: even though Operation Golden Eagle is over, our enforcement efforts will not slow down," Besson said. "And for those bad actors out there who think they can go out and terrorize the city of New Orleans, all I can tell you is: continue to look in your rearview mirror because you'll probably see one of us. We will chase you, and we will catch you."
