South Dakota Governor Barred from Largest Tribe’s Lands Over Immigration Speech
South Dakota Governor Kristi L. Noem has been barred from the largest tribe’s lands in the state for the second time in five years. The Oglala Sioux Tribe, led by President Frank Star Comes Out, made the decision to banish Governor Noem from the Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota. This decision comes after Noem’s speech about curbing immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border, which Star Comes Out found offensive.
The president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, in a statement posted on social media, declared that Governor Noem is no longer welcome on their homelands due to concerns for the safety of the tribe, referred to as the “Oyate.” Star Comes Out emphasized that the Oglala Sioux Tribe is a sovereign nation under the protection of the United States, not South Dakota. He accused Noem of using the border issue to influence former President Donald Trump’s campaign and increase her chances of becoming his running mate.
Noem responded to the tribe’s statement by stating that it was unfortunate for Star Comes Out to bring politics into a discussion regarding the federal government’s failure to enforce immigration laws at the southern border and on tribal lands. She did not provide further comment on the matter.
The ongoing dispute between Governor Noem and the Oglala Sioux Tribe occurs against the backdrop of a historic flow of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. Both Democrats and Republicans agree that this level of migration is unsustainable. In an unexpected move, President Joe Biden announced that he would use emergency authorization to shut down the border if Congress passes a bipartisan immigration plan. He called on the House GOP majority to accept the Senate deal.
In their statement, the Oglala Sioux Tribe urged Governor Noem to support the bipartisan border deal in Congress. Noem, during her speech to the state legislature, described the influx of immigrants at the border as an “invasion” that is bringing violence, drugs, and human trafficking to tribal reservations and the state of South Dakota. President Star Comes Out argued that Noem’s use of the term “invasion” is misplaced and that drugs and human trafficking affect the entire state and surrounding areas.
This recent banishment from the Pine Ridge Reservation is not the first time Governor Noem has faced restrictions from the Oglala Sioux Tribe. In 2019, she was barred from the reservation due to a feud over the Keystone XL oil pipeline. The ban was later lifted after Noem made concessions regarding anti-riot laws that tribes believed were targeted at their protests. The pipeline project was ultimately scrapped in June 2021.
Governor Noem expressed her desire to work on improving relationships between the state and the Oglala Sioux Tribe. She emphasized the importance of spending time together to build these relationships. However, she did not directly address Star Comes Out’s claim about her potential vice presidential aspirations.
In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump was asked if he would consider Noem as a running mate. Trump praised Noem’s support and loyalty, stating that she has been incredible in fighting for him. He mentioned that Noem had expressed that she would not run against him because she couldn’t beat him, which he appreciated.
The ongoing dispute between Governor Kristi L. Noem and the Oglala Sioux Tribe highlights the complex issues surrounding immigration and border security in the United States. It also underscores the importance of maintaining respectful and constructive dialogue between tribal nations and state governments. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this conflict will impact the relationship between Governor Noem and the Oglala Sioux Tribe moving forward.
