(The Center Square) – South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem told state lawmakers Wednesday the crisis at the southern border is affecting the state.
Noem is exploring various legal options on how South Dakota can support Texas and force the federal government to do their job. She said she is consulting with the Adjutant General, the Secretary of Public Safety, and others on options to provide personnel and talking to Texas Governor Greg Abbott about what rules of engagement can look like to empower National Guard troops, should they be utilized.
“The cartels have operational control of our border,” Noem stated. “When the Federal government fails to uphold its duty to the people the responsibility falls to the states… I’ve witnessed firsthand this invasion that is taking place. What shocks me every time that I go there is that it’s so much worse than it was before,” Noem said.
The governor said the cartels have infiltrated tribal reservations in a scheme that eliminates state law enforcement efforts. State government does not have jurisdiction to intervene unilaterally and to provide law enforcement support to tribes, and the cartels are capitalizing on this in South Dakota.