South Dakota Governor Cites Cartel Threat Without Evidence

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has voiced concerns over Mexican cartels trafficking children and distributing fentanyl within the state, though she has not provided concrete evidence to support these claims. In an interview with Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” Noem highlighted the immigration challenges facing states across the U.S., including South Dakota, attributing these issues to the presence of cartels.

Amidst broader discussions on immigration and border security, Noem, alongside 24 other Republican governors, criticized President Joe Biden’s approach to the border crisis. They expressed support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s stringent border security measures, accusing the Biden administration of neglecting to enforce existing immigration laws.

The South Dakota Legislature’s recent bill on border security reflects the state’s stance on the importance of addressing the national security crisis attributed to the southern border. However, despite the assertions made, Noem’s office has yet to provide detailed evidence of cartel activities within the state.

The ongoing debate over immigration policies has prompted President Biden to call for the passage of a border security bill, aiming to provide comprehensive solutions to secure the border. The future of this bill, especially its reception in the GOP-controlled House, remains uncertain, with some Republicans pushing for more stringent restrictions on migrant processing.

While Governor Noem’s statements bring attention to the issue of cartel influence beyond the U.S.-Mexico border, the lack of substantiated evidence raises questions about the specifics of these operations in South Dakota.