Federal agents keep masks on despite NOPD request

The big picture: Kirkpatrick tells Axios in an exclusive interview that her federal counterparts say they wear masks because they have been "threatened and doxxed" because of their jobs.

• "I understand both sides," she said. "We allow face coverings in very limited situations but not in regular day-to-day enforcement."
• She reiterated the historical context of the Ku Klux Klan wearing masks, which inspired anti-masking laws, and the need for law enforcement to identify themselves.
• The Department of Homeland Security partially responded to another request for transparency with the launch of an online tool that lists arrests for each state. However, it doesn't say when the arrests were made.

Zoom out: Operation Catahoula Crunch continues in New Orleans metro for the second week.

• And as of Tuesday, immigration agents were in the Baton Rouge area too, WBRZ reports.

Meanwhile, Kirkpatrick said NOPD is beefing up security downtown for the Sugar Bowl and New Year's Eve.

• There haven't been credible threats, she says, but they are being extra cautious on the anniversary of the terrorist attack.
• The security will be more intense than what the city had for Bayou Classic, Kirkpatrick says.
• Along with about 100 National Guardsmen, there will be a more robust presence of federal agents, she said.
• Expect checkpoints and bag checks on Bourbon Street again.