On Wednesday, the South Dakota Legislature overwhelmingly approved a resolution to underscore the imperative to safeguard national borders and to reaffirm South Dakota's solidarity with Texas in defending the southern border.
The resolution gained swift approval moments after Gov. Kristi Noem apprised a joint session of the South Dakota Legislature about the repercussions of the southern border incursion on the state. The state House passed it 62-6; the state Senate passed it 28-3.
"The national security crisis at the southern border impacts every state, including South Dakota," Noem said. "I am pleased that the Legislature recognizes the gravity of this issue and concurs that decisive measures are necessary to secure our borders."
Noem's address to the joint session highlighted the impact of the southern border situation on South Dakota.
She said nearly 10 million foreign nationals had breached federal law in the past three years and ushered in issues like drug trafficking, crime, and violence. She pointed to the national security crisis, which she said were intensified by the policies of the Biden administration, and stressed the infiltration of known terrorists, criminals, and human traffickers.
"Our immigration system, a long-standing topic of national discourse, has been elevated to a national security crisis by the Biden administration's policies," she said.
Noem cited the Founding Fathers' commitment to securing the nation's borders in the Constitution. She highlighted the responsibility of states to protect themselves and referenced constitutional provisions empowering states to repel invasions.
She portrayed the southern border as a battleground against Mexican drug cartels waging war on the United States. She urged unity among states, emphasizing that the border crisis affected every state, not just those sharing a physical boundary.
The governor shared insights from her recent visit to the border, exposing the cartels' tactics, including intentionally diverting attention with distressing scenarios while smuggling illicit goods. Noem commended Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's efforts, emphasizing the need for states to support one another.
"When the federal government fails to uphold its duty to the people, the responsibility falls to the states," she said.
"Almost three years ago, when Gov. Abbott asked states to send troops to help secure the border, South Dakota was the first state in the nation to send National Guard soldiers to help," she added.
"Democrat politicians are urging President [Joe] Biden to federalize the Texas National Guard. If he were to do that, if he were to put them on Title X federal active duty, it would be the first time in American history that a president activated American armed forces explicitly to stand down, to make us less safe, to not protect the United States of America. And if President Biden can do that to Texas, he can do it to South Dakota or any other state," she said.
The speech also delved into the impact of cartels on South Dakota's tribal reservations, citing instances of violence, drug trafficking, and gang activity. Noem pledged support for tribes grappling with federal obligations unmet by the Biden administration.
She drew attention to the cartels' use of reservations to spread drugs, particularly highlighting the influx of fentanyl over the southern border. The governor connected the issue to a surge in overdoses nationwide and expressed concern for South Dakota's well-being.
Noem concluded her address by urging unity and announcing South Dakota's commitment to assisting Texas. She highlighted ongoing efforts to explore legal options and provide additional resources, emphasizing the state's duty to protect its citizens.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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