avatar

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Gov. Kristi Noem tells state lawmakers that South Dakota should send National Guard soldiers and equipment to support Texas in its efforts to turn back a tide of illegal immigrants at America’s southern border.

The governor visited the border at the end of last week and says conditions there are getting worse, blaming the Biden administration for what she says is a dramatic increase in illegal border crossings.

The governor said while many people coming to America are legitimately seeking a better life, she also says there are several Latin American countries taking advantage of the situation.

“South Dakota is directly affected by this invasion. We are affected by cartel presence right here on our tribal reservations, by the spread of drugs and human trafficking throughout our communities and by the drain of our resources at the local, state and the federal level,” the governor explained.

Noem says there is a legal argument that can be made that South Dakota would be well within its right to provide substantial assistance to Texas as the state works to control its border with Mexico.

“We’re currently exploring various legal options on how we can support Texas enforce federal government to do their job,” Noem said. “I’m also consulting with my adjutant general, with the secretary of public safety and with others; what our options are to provide personnel.”

An action Noem says the state can do right now is to send more razor wire to Texas for its operation. This is despite that the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that the federal government can remove the wire and other barriers.

Immediately after Noem spoke to the Legislature, lawmakers passed a House concurrent resolution acknowledging the need to protect the country’s borders and affirming South Dakota’s support of the defense of the southern border.