Noem visits South Dakota National Guard soldiers deployed to U.S.-Mexican border (Audio)

July 27, 2021

MCALLEN, Texas (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s whirlwind tour of the U.S. border with Mexico on Monday was filled with climbing into military vehicles, visiting with troops and positioning herself as tough on an issue that’s sure to loom large in 2024 presidential debates.

The Republican governor flew to McAllen, Texas, to check in with the roughly 50 National Guard members who volunteered for a 30-day deployment.

Noem talked with reporters at a border crossing near Del Rio, Texas. She says border security is an issue that affects South Dakota…

She heard how troops have encountered many children crossing and how soldiers are eager to be stationed where even more people cross the border each night.

Noem says the South Dakota soldiers could stay past their initial 30 day deployment….

Noem sent the Guard to aid Texas’ push to arrest people crossing the border illegally.