Governor Rhoden Activates National Guard for Border

South Dakota is deploying 120 National Guard members to assist with border security operations.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Military

Governor Rhoden Activates National Guard for Border

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Governor Larry Rhoden has officially activated 120 members of the South Dakota National Guard for a border deployment. The mission aims to support both state and national security efforts.

Why it matters

The deployment of the 155th Engineering Company represents a continued commitment of state resources toward federal border security objectives. Such actions highlight the ongoing role of state-level military assets in managing national border operations.

Governor Rhoden issued an activation order for 120 members of the 155th Engineering Company, with the deployment expected to last approximately one year. This follows previous deployments that included 50 members from the 109th Engineer Battalion last year.

The players

Larry Rhoden

Larry Rhoden is the Governor of South Dakota who authorized the mobilization of the state National Guard.

South Dakota National Guard

The South Dakota National Guard is a component of the United States National Guard that performs both state and federal missions.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is a federal law enforcement agency that has received past assistance from South Dakota Guard members.

The details

The activation of the 155th Engineering Company marks a significant mobilization of South Dakota personnel to the U.S. southern border. This mission is part of broader efforts to maintain state and national security through military support.

October 22, 2026: Governor Rhoden activates the 155th Engineering Company.
2025: Fifty members of the 109th Engineer Battalion deployed to the border.

Political Context

Opponents frequently argue that state-level border deployments place an undue burden on local guard units and divert necessary resources from state emergencies. Critics emphasize that such military support may conflict with established norms regarding the mission of domestic National Guard forces.

The deployment of 120 soldiers may impact local communities and families as these service members leave for their year-long assignment. Residents should remain aware that these individuals will be away from their civilian jobs and family roles throughout the duration of the mission.

The takeaway

The deployment underscores the recurring reliance on state guard units to augment federal operations at the southern border. Families of mobilized personnel should prepare for a deployment period currently estimated to span one year.