South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has faced backlash and has been banned from the Pine Ridge Reservation after advocating for bolstering security efforts at the U.S.-Mexico border. In a speech, Governor Noem expressed concerns about the threat posed by cartels infiltrating the state’s reservations and called for sending razor wire and security personnel to Texas. Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out issued a statement on social media, announcing Governor Noem’s banishment from the homelands of the Oglala Sioux Tribe for the safety of the community.
The banishment comes after Star Comes Out accused Governor Noem of using the border issue to further her political agenda and increase her chances of becoming former President Trump’s choice for vice president. In a letter shared on Facebook, Star Comes Out criticized Governor Noem for dehumanizing and mistreating indigenous people who are seeking a better life at the southern border. He also took offense to Governor Noem’s comments linking the “Ghost Dancers” to cartels, stating that the Ghost Dance is a sacred ceremony and accused her of disrespecting the Oyate.
Governor Noem’s comments were made during a speech to the legislature, where she highlighted the presence of Mexican drug cartels and the violence they perpetuate across the country. She emphasized the need for stronger border security measures to combat this common enemy. However, Star Comes Out believes that politics should not be brought into discussions about the federal government’s failures to enforce laws at the border and on tribal lands.
In response to the banishment, Governor Noem expressed her disappointment that politics was brought into the discussion and reaffirmed her commitment to working together to solve the problems at hand. She expressed her willingness to build relationships with Native American tribes and collaborate on finding solutions.
Governor Noem has shown her dedication to border security by deploying South Dakota National Guard troops to the border multiple times, including last year. She has also visited the border on several occasions. It is worth noting that other Republican governors have also deployed troops and visited the border to address the ongoing challenges.
In 2021, Governor Noem faced criticism for accepting a $1 million donation from a wealthy Republican donor to cover the costs of a two-month deployment of 48 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas.
The banishment of Governor Noem from the Pine Ridge Reservation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding border security and the treatment of individuals seeking a better life in the United States. The issue has sparked tensions between political leaders and tribal communities, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue and collaboration to address these complex challenges.
