Governor Rhoden Extends SD National Guard ICE Deployment

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 5, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Governor Rhoden Extends SD National Guard ICE Deployment

PIERRE, S.D. - Governor Larry Rhoden announced an extension of orders for the South Dakota National Guard (SDNG) deployment of seven guardsmen assisting United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The SDNG has assisted ICE with the deportation of 1,013 illegal aliens since their initial deployment, which was announced in July 2025.

"Our guardsmen, troopers, and corrections officers have delivered exceptional results as they work to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "I am grateful for their dedication and commitment to protecting our communities. Their efforts are getting illegal alien criminals off our streets and making our state and nation safer."

The seven SDNG guardsmen include three in Sioux Falls, three in Rapid City, and one administrative position. The extended deployment will last from October 1, 2026, until September 30, 2027, which will be covered by federal funding.

Governor Rhoden also announced that the South Dakota Highway Patrol (SDHP) will receive approximately $480,000 in additional funding from the Trump Administration to support troopers trained under ICE's 287(g) agreement. Earlier this summer, Governor Rhoden announced that the SDHP received an initial $150,418 in federal funding. This financial support is directly allocated toward personnel payroll, specialized field equipment, and information technology stipends to support the agency's coordinated enforcement efforts.

Currently, the SDHP has 38 state troopers participating in the program. State Troopers have assisted in 261 immigration-related arrests involving individuals unlawfully present in the United States who were encountered during routine patrols across South Dakota.

The Department of Corrections (DOC) has also continued to work with ICE as part of this state-federal partnership. DOC, in cooperation with the Board of Pardons and Parole, has paroled 38 inmates directly into ICE custody. Four additional inmates have been approved and are pending transfer. Removing illegal alien criminals saves South Dakota taxpayers an average of over $34,000 in annual cost per inmate and keeps citizens safe.

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