South Dakota Governor Blocked from Tribal Land Over Border Comments

The Oglala Sioux Tribe Bars South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem from Reservation The Oglala Sioux Tribe has taken the decision to bar South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem from the Pine Ridge Reservation following her recent comments about reinforcing the U.S.-Mexico border. The Tribe President, Frank Star Comes Out, expressed that Governor Noem's statements were a "blatant disrespect" to the tribe and its people, leading to the immediate banishment of the governor from their homelands. Reinforcing Tribal Sovereignty In response to Governor Noem's remarks indicating her intention to send razor wire and security personnel to Texas to assist in deterring immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as her assertion about cartel infiltration in the state's reservations, Star Comes Out condemned her words. He accused Noem of exploiting the border issue to potentially aid the re-election of former President Donald Trump and to bolster her candidacy as his running mate. Protection of Indigenous Individuals Furthermore, the tribal leader highlighted that numerous Indigenous individuals, primarily from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico, are arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border in pursuit of employment opportunities and a better life. He emphasized that these individuals should not be subjected to harsh treatment, such as being confined in cages or separated from their children, drawing attention to the policies adopted during the previous administration. Star Comes Out condemned the prospect of razor wire from South Dakota being employed in such circumstances. Refutation of Offensive Claims Additionally, Star Comes Out rebuked Noem's reference to a gang named the Ghost Dancers, asserting that the use of this term was deeply offensive and disrespectful to the Oglala Sioux Tribe's sacred ceremonies. He refuted Noem's claim of the gang's affiliation with border-crossing cartels, emphasizing that drug and human trafficking are prevalent across South Dakota and its neighboring states, not solely on Indian reservations. Governor Noem's Response The tribal leader underscored the sovereignty of the tribe, firmly emphasizing that it does not belong to the state of South Dakota. Noem responded to the banishment, expressing her disappointment in the politicization of the discussion and reaffirming her commitment to addressing the challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border and tribal lands collaboratively. The Pine Ridge Reservation previously declared a state of emergency due to escalating crime, prompting a federal court to acknowledge the government's treaty obligation to support law enforcement on the reservation. However, no ruling was made regarding the level of funding sought by the tribe. Governor Noem's Stance on Border Crisis Governor Noem has previously deployed National Guard troops to the Mexican border and has been critical of President Biden's approach to the border crisis. In 2021, she faced criticism for accepting a substantial donation to fund National Guard deployments at the border. The decision by the Oglala Sioux Tribe to bar Governor Noem from their land represents a significant development in the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies and the treatment of Indigenous communities in the United States.