Governor Noem Sends 5th National Guard Rotation to Texas Border

Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota National GuardPhoto byX (Twitter)

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is seeing more support from a fellow governor. South Dakota Kristi Noem plans to send the fifth rotation of the National Guard to Texas this upcoming spring. 

On Tuesday, February 20, Governor Noem made the announcement from Pierre, South Dakota. Noem plans to send 60 National Guardsmen to the southern border. 

Last year, Governor Noem answered Governor Abbott’s call and sent 50 soldiers to the Texas border. 

At the time, Governor Noem said according to a press release:

“The border crisis is growing worse under President Biden’s willful inaction. Across the country, crime rates, drug overdoses, and human trafficking have all skyrocketed because our border remains a warzone.” 

“Our National Guard soldiers are the best prepared to tackle this challenge. They have proven that they can serve with excellence in a situation such as this, and I am confident that they will do so again.”

This year, Governor Noem made similar comments announcing the next deployment for the National Guard. Noem said according to a press release:

“The border is a warzone, so we’re sending soldiers. 

“These soldiers’ primary mission will be construction of a wall to stem the flow of illegal immigrants, drug cartels, and human trafficking into the United States of America.”

According to the press release, Governor Noem mentioned in her address she wants to change the rules of engagement for the National Guard and has been working with Governor Abbott. 

Governor Noem was the first governor to answer the call and support Texas by sending the National Guard to the border at Governor Abbott’s request in 2021.

You can see Governor Noem's thoughts on the border crisis in this interview a few weeks ago:

What do you think the South Dakota National Guard could be used for on this deployment to the border?