Department of Homeland Security top official talks New Orleans Mardi Gras safety

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — While locals and tourists get ready for Mardi Gras parades, local law enforcement will once again receive additional resources from federal agencies.

“Plans we executed for the Super Bowl and the level of communication and collaboration we had amongst the federal, state and local partners was amazing. We are building on that momentum. We’ve been talking and planning and communicating for weeks and weeks ahead of this Mardi Gras event,” said Eric Delaune with the Department of Homeland Security.

Federal Mardi Gras security will be led by Delaune. A Louisiana native, he has reassured the krewes that the department has their best interests at heart when it comes to safety.

“I wanted to let them know that there was not going to be an effort on behalf of our federal coordination to affect the historical and cultural context of Mardi Gras. We just wanted to help the city and help the state make it more safe and more secure so that people could go out and enjoy it,” said Delaune.

With Mardi Gras upgraded to a level one special event assessment rating (SEAR 1) barriers, bomb dogs and more will be along parade routes.

Deluane says the goal is to still maintain the event’s festive atmosphere. However, as the good times roll to Mardi Gras day, he ensures safety measures will be at an all-time high.

“You’re going to see a lot of uniformed personnel out and about. You’re going to see helicopters and other aircraft overhead. There’s a bunch of intelligence analysis going on in the background. There are also going to be a lot of plainclothes assets, a lot of plainclothes special agents and law enforcement in and around those crowds,” said Delaune.

Delaune also told WGNO that it’s very likely we will see Mardi Gras be a SEAR 1 event again next year.

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