South Dakota Tribe Takes Stand Against Governor’s US-Mexico Border Remarks

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The Oglala Sioux Tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota opposes Governor Kristi Noem due to her controversial remarks and actions on immigration and crime.

In response to Governor Noem’s recent statements about deploying razor wire and security personnel to the US-Mexico border, the tribe’s President, Frank Star Comes Out, issued a banishment order, effectively barring her from the reservation. 

In the midst of these events, there are allegations suggesting that Governor Noem is leveraging border-related matters for her political advantage, specifically aiming to strengthen her connections with former President Donald Trump. 

These accusations imply that her actions are motivated by a strategic political agenda, with the intent of fostering closer ties to the influential former president.

Star Comes Out condemned Noem’s proposal, emphasizing that many migrants arriving at the border are Indigenous people seeking better opportunities. He criticized the notion of using harsh measures like razor wire and detention, highlighting the inhumane treatment witnessed during the Trump administration.

Tribal Sovereignty vs. South Dakota State Initiatives

south-dakota-tribe-takes-stand-against-governor's-us-mexico-border-remarks
The Oglala Sioux Tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota opposes Governor Kristi Noem due to her controversial remarks and actions on immigration and crime.

Furthermore, the tribe’s president expressed deep offense at Noem’s reference to the Ghost Dance, a sacred ceremony of the Oglala Sioux, which she linked to criminal activity. Star Comes Out emphasized the sovereignty of the tribe and rebuked any attempt to associate it with the state’s agenda.

Governor Noem responded, expressing regret that the issue had become politicized and reaffirming her commitment to addressing border and tribal land challenges. However, tensions persist as tribal sovereignty clashes with state initiatives.

This conflict also intersects with broader issues of law enforcement and federal obligations. Pine Ridge Reservation declared a state of emergency due to rising crime, highlighting the need for adequate support, which has been contested in legal battles.

Noem’s history of deploying National Guard troops to the border has drawn scrutiny, especially concerning funding sources. Criticism arose when she accepted a sizable donation to finance troop deployment, raising questions about the influence of political interests.

The standoff between Governor Noem and the Oglala Sioux Tribe underscores the complexities of immigration, sovereignty, and political maneuvering, illustrating the ongoing challenges in addressing these issues at both state and federal levels.

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