Published: 12-29-2025 | Category: Troop B
New Orleans – As we usher in New Year’s 2026, safety in and around the French Quarter remains a top priority. Law enforcement officials have implemented enhanced safety measures for this year’s events. From Tuesday, December 30, 2025, to Friday, January 2, 2026, Troopers, along with Agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and other state agencies will again support the City of New Orleans, the 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 partners will maintain a strong presence throughout the French Quarter, including along Bourbon Street.
Troopers will also work alongside Louisiana National Guard partners to maintain the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone (FQESZ). As implemented during Super Bowl LIX, Carnival 2025, and the Bayou Classic, the FQESZ spans from Canal Street to St. Ann Street, between Royal and Dauphine Streets (see attached graphic).
The following guidelines are in place for the FQESZ:
• Backpack coolers and ice chests are prohibited.
• Bags larger than 4.5” x 6.5” (about the size of a clutch handbag) are discouraged and subject to search prior to entry.
• 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. If access is unavailable, visitors may enter at the nearest barrier or cross street with luggage. Proof of hotel reservation and identification is required.
• Anyone refusing a search will be denied entry into the FQESZ.
Louisiana State Police also reminds drone pilots to check airspace restrictions and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations before flying. The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the New Orleans area from 2:00 p.m. on December 31, 2025, through 4:00 a.m. on January 1, 2026, and again from 6:00 p.m. through one hour after the conclusion of the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
As we approach the one-year anniversary of the tragic attack that took innocent lives and forever changed our community, we honor those lost and reaffirm our shared responsibility to remain vigilant.
If you see something, say something, and keep these seven signs of terrorism in mind:
• Surveillance
• Information gathering
• Testing security
• Acquiring supplies
• Suspicious behavior
• Dry run / trial run
• Deploying assets
The “See Something, Send Something” app is an effective way to share tips, photos, and information with law enforcement using a smart device. To download the app, search for “See Send” in the app store. Users can quickly submit information directly from their device. All tips are analyzed at the state fusion center and relayed to officers on the street.
Louisiana State Police encourages everyone to stay safe, make responsible decisions, and have a safe New Year’s 2026.
Contact Information:
Trooper Danny Berrincha
Louisiana State Police – Troop NOLA
Public Affairs Section
Office: (504) 317-4119
[email protected]