The NOPD was joined today by its local, state and federal law enforcement partners in announcing the results of the 2026 edition of Operation Golden Eagle summertime enhanced enforcement operation.
The operation, in its 16th year, included participation from multiple agencies including the NOPD, Louisiana State Police, the FBI’s New Orleans bureau, Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana Probation & Parole, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana National Guard.
“Operation Golden Eagle shows what happens when we put our agencies, intelligence and resources behind one mission – making New Orleans safer,” NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said. “This is local, state and federal law enforcement working side by side – not just sharing information but turning that information into action.”
During this year’s operation a combined total of 231 felony arrests were made, along with 88 fugitive arrests, 100 narcotics arrests and 114 firearms seized. Additionally, the operation included 46 arrest warrants and 43 search warrants and resulted in the recovery of 18 stolen vehicles and more than 800 traffic stops conducted.
“These numbers matter because behind every arrest, every warrant and every firearm seized is an opportunity to interrupt violence before another family is impacted,” Kirkpatrick said.
In addition, law enforcement seized narcotics including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and other dangerous substances. The drugs seized have an estimated street value of more than $45,000.
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FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp said that this law enforcement partnership proves its value year after year to New Orleans and the surrounding communities, while it also sets the pace for operations outside of the area as well.
“This is a blueprint for similar operations across Louisiana and as a model for success for other FBI field offices across the country,” Tapp said.
Kirkpatrick said while Operation Golden Eagle is a valuable enforcement surge, it also serves as a model for how law enforcement in the area will work moving forward – identifying individuals and groups driving violence, sharing intelligence quickly and brining every available resource to bear.
“We are going to keep the pressure on,” she said. “We are going to keep strengthening these partnerships. And we are going to keep going after the people who bring violence, guns and dangerous drugs into our neighborhoods.”
“Louisiana State Police has supported this operation for many a year, and it has been successful each and every year,” LSP Col. Frank Besson said. “Operation Golden Eagle continues to demonstrate what can be accomplished when law enforcement comes together for one shared mission.”
The NOPD thanks all of its law enforcement partners who assisted in this operation and who assist year-round and stressed to the public that such synergy between agencies will continue to benefit the community.
“This work by our officers, troopers, agents, deputies, investigators and analysts takes long hours, discipline and trust between agencies – and they all delivered,” Kirkpatrick said. “To the people of New Orleans – this is about you. You deserve to see law enforcement working together, moving with purpose and producing results.”
Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov.