Governor Rhoden Extended National Guard ICE Deployment
South Dakota will continue its collaboration with federal immigration officials for nearly another year.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Immigration
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Governor Larry Rhoden has announced a nearly one-year extension of the South Dakota National Guard deployment to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This mission supports the ongoing efforts of the state to identify and remove individuals allegedly in the country unlawfully.
Why it matters
State officials maintain that the continued partnership is intended to improve public safety while generating significant taxpayer savings. The program utilizes state personnel to assist with deportations and immigration-related arrests across South Dakota.
The National Guard has assisted in the deportation of 1,013 individuals since July 2025, while 38 state troopers have helped conduct 261 immigration-related arrests. The state recently received $150,418 in federal funding for equipment and payroll.
The players
Larry Rhoden
Larry Rhoden serves as the Governor of South Dakota and oversees state agency participation in federal immigration programs.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and coordinating with state partners.
South Dakota National Guard
The South Dakota National Guard is the state military force currently providing personnel to assist federal immigration authorities.
South Dakota Highway Patrol
The South Dakota Highway Patrol is the state law enforcement agency participating in the ICE 287(g) program.
The details
Seven National Guard members, split between Sioux Falls and Rapid City, are currently assigned to assist ICE. Additionally, the South Dakota Department of Corrections has paroled 38 inmates directly into federal custody, with four more individuals currently awaiting transfer.
Timeline
The initial National Guard deployment to assist ICE began in July 2025.
South Dakota received $150,418 in federal funding during the summer of 2026.
Governor Larry Rhoden announced the extension of the deployment on October 5, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of the state-led immigration enforcement model argue that diverting state resources to federal immigration duties strains local law enforcement capacity. Critics frequently contend that these programs risk local community trust and prioritize federal mandates over state-specific public safety needs.
Residents may see an continued presence of state troopers performing immigration-related patrols across the state. This initiative is designed to reduce costs associated with housing inmates by transferring them to federal jurisdiction.
The takeaway
The continued deployment underscores South Dakota's alignment with federal immigration enforcement strategies. Taxpayers may continue to see funds allocated toward the maintenance and equipment of state troopers participating in these programs.
Further reading
For more information on state policies, visit the South Dakota Immigration section.
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Should states dedicate local resources to assist the federal government with immigration enforcement efforts?
