Gov. Rhoden Announces Expansion and Results of ICE Partnerships

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that the Rhoden Administration is expanding on its partnerships with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of the public safety efforts announced last July.

“My administration’s number one responsibility is keeping South Dakotans safe,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We’ve been working hard to get illegal alien criminals off our streets, out of our prison, and out of our country. I am proud of the results our officers have delivered – they are keeping our state strong, safe, and free for generations to come – and now there’s more work to do.”

The South Dakota Highway Patrol has enrolled more troopers in ICE training, increasing the number of troopers trained under 287(g) agreements eight-fold. Originally, five troopers were trained in July 2025, and 17 troopers are currently trained. With this third addition in force, that number will increase to 41 troopers.

“This partnership is showing strong results” said Secretary of Public Safety Bob Perry. “In the last twelve months the SD Highway Patrol has conducted 150 arrests of illegal alien criminals.”

The expansion is also supported by the Department of Homeland Security. South Dakota is anticipating a federal reimbursement of approximately $165,000.

The Department of Corrections (DOC) and the South Dakota National Guard (SDNG) have continued to work with ICE as part of two other components of this state-federal partnership.

DOC submitted additional inmates for parole to federal custody and deportation. So far, 24 inmates have been paroled directly to ICE custody. DOC and ICE have identified an additional 14 inmates that will be considered for federal custody and deportation. Getting removable illegal aliens out of the state prison system saves South Dakota taxpayers an average of $34,039.33 in annual cost per inmate. DOC is also implementing enhanced training of officers to serve warrants and assist ICE with deportations.

The SDNG deployment of seven guardsmen has continued since last fall. These active-duty soldiers in Sioux Falls and Rapid City are helping process deportations, acting as a force multiplier for South Dakota ICE officers. Through May 15, the SDNG has assisted directly in processing 664 illegal immigrants who have been deported out of South Dakota.

Governor Rhoden previously activated the SDNG and sent letters of intent to establish the 287(g) agreements. You can find the DOC letter here and the SDHP letter here.

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You saw the report from the Dusty Johnson for Governor committee – now here’s the Political Action Committee supporting the campaign. Who happens to have over a million in the account:

Dusty PAC Disclosure by Pat Powers

Dusty Johnson has raised a lot of money, and spent a lot of money. And he still has cash reserves to go in his campaign to become the next South Dakota Governor:

Dusty Johnson State Report by Pat Powers

 

Christine Erickson Earns Endorsement of Sioux Falls Police Labor Council and Leading Law Enforcement Officials

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sioux Falls mayoral candidate Christine Erickson announced today that she has earned the endorsement of the Sioux Falls Police Labor Council, along with several respected law enforcement leaders and public safety experts from across South Dakota.

Representing Sioux Falls police officers and sergeants, the Sioux Falls Police Labor Council is the leading advocacy organization for the city’s law enforcement personnel, working to support officers, strengthen public safety, and promote effective communication between officers and city leadership. The endorsements come as public safety continues to rank as the top concern among Sioux Falls residents and remains the number one priority of Erickson’s campaign for mayor.

In their endorsement of Erickson, the Sioux Falls Police Labor Council stated, “Christine Erickson has demonstrated a strong understanding of the issues facing law enforcement and a dedication to supporting those who protect the community every day. Her commitment to the Officers and Sergeants of our Council is genuine. As mayor, we believe Erickson will continue to advance and build upon our established relationship with City Hall.”

Joining the Sioux Falls Police Labor Council in endorsing Erickson are:

• Lincoln County Sheriff Steve Swenson
• Lincoln County State’s Attorney Tom Wollman
• Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Daniel Haggar
• Former Sioux Falls Police Chief Doug Barthel
• Former South Dakota Director of Public Safety Trevor Jones

“Public safety is the foundation of our city’s future,” Erickson said. “Nothing else matters if the people of Sioux Falls do not feel safe in their neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and parks. I’m honored to have the support of so many respected law enforcement professionals who understand the challenges our city faces.”

Erickson said Sioux Falls must stay ahead of growing challenges related to crime, mental health, emergency response, and criminal justice reform, especially as discussions continue regarding the proposed new state prison in Sioux Falls.

“As mayor, I will ensure our police officers, deputies, firefighters, and first responders have the staffing, tools, training, and community support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” Erickson said. “We also must strengthen community partnership focused on mental health response, crime prevention, youth engagement, and successful re-entry for individuals returning from incarceration.”

“We must make sure that Sioux Falls remains a safe community,” continued Erickson. “That will be my number one priority for your family, my family, and the future of this great city.”

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Deb Peters’ PAC’n Heat group is continuing a series of facebook posts pointing out some of the problems with the current crew in charge in the South Dakota Legislature:

And the election continues to roll on…

State Representative (and Hillary Clinton donor) Liz May must still have her head scrambled from the ATV accident she suffered many months ago. Because she just went on a screeching tear after some of the District 3 State Legislative Candidates for serving as part of the Aberdeen Development Corporation:

According to Liz.. Katie Washnok, Spencer Sommers, and Tim Hanigan – none of whom are elected, but are currently running for office are bad for serving as part of the board.

But if memory serves.. I think there’s another candidate running for office in District 3. One who has actually benefitted from the Economic Development efforts that the Aberdeen Development Corporation board makes to serve their community:

In another sign that Senator Al Novstrup (R-3/Aberdeen) isn’t the free-market conservative he pretends to be, the Aberdeen American News reports that the go-kart impresario and his son needed the Aberdeen Development Corporation to get their two-million-dollar building permit for them.

(Read that here.).

So. This supposedly evil economic development panel that Liz is criticizing fronted 2 million to develop a project for the community? (*crickets on the Novstrup involvement here*) Darn them. And here’s an even more recent post…

Not seeing Liz May going after Al Novstrup here either.

So.. Sitting elected Senator Al Novstrup goes and gets a loan from the local economic development panel.. and Liz May is rendered mute.  But when Liz thinks that everyone else is conspiring as part of the evil Aberdeen economic-development network (her words) – then they’re on her facebook hit list?

Again. Liz Biden needs to give it a rest, and get off of facebook. Because she sounds like everyone else’s crazy aunt.

Wow. In the realm of politics, getting a former president is a pretty good get.. But when they were as unpopular as Biden was, and likely remains in South Dakota, Democrats should have read the room, and waited a few years on this one.

Oh, and it looks like any video from the press is banned. Not sure what they’re scared of, unless it’s Biden himself.  – pp

 

President Joe Biden to Keynote South Dakota Democratic Party’s McGovern Day Dinner

SIOUX FALLS, SD – The South Dakota Democratic Party and Chair Shane Merrill are proud to announce that President Joe Biden will serve as the keynote speaker for the McGovern Day Dinner on Friday, June 5, at the Best Western Plus Ramkota Exhibit Hall in Sioux Falls.

“It is an honor to welcome President Biden to South Dakota, especially during such a critical time for our country,” said Merrill.

At age 29, Biden became one of the youngest Americans ever elected to the U.S. Senate. Over 36 years representing Delaware, he played a leading role in addressing major domestic and international issues, including authoring the Violence Against Women Act.

In 2008, Biden was elected Vice President alongside President Barack Obama. Together, the Obama-Biden Administration passed the Affordable Care Act, helping millions of Americans gain access to affordable health insurance.

In 2020, Biden was elected the 46th President of the United States. During one of the most challenging moments in modern American history, his Administration led the nation through the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerated vaccine distribution, and helped drive an economic recovery that created more than 16 million jobs.

The Biden Administration also made historic investments in communities across the nation—urban, suburban, rural, and Tribal alike. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, roads, bridges, airports, railways, broadband infrastructure, and water systems were modernized and expanded. The CHIPS and Science Act helped revitalize American manufacturing and strengthen domestic semiconductor production.

“It is an absolute privilege to welcome President Biden to South Dakota and have him speak to people from across the state who want a brighter future,” Merrill said. “This is a historic moment for McGovern Day, and we are honored to host someone who knew and served alongside leaders like George McGovern, Tim Johnson, and Tom Daschle.”

“President Biden’s Administration played a crucial role in helping South Dakota recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Merrill continued. “His policies delivered millions of dollars in investments for rural housing, broadband expansion, infrastructure, and agriculture. As a farmer, I appreciate that President Biden prioritized rural communities, supported sustainable agricultural practices, and worked to strengthen our food supply. I’m excited for President Biden to share his perspective with Democratic candidates and supporters from across South Dakota. This will be an incredible evening as we celebrate the future of our state.”

Tickets for the McGovern Day Dinner are now on sale. The deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, May 25.

NOTE:There will be limited space for press.Pen and paper only. Press must RSVP with SDDP Communications Director Krista Burns, krista@sddp.org,  by May 25th.

Logan Manhart seems to be trying to appeal to Democrat voters in the primary with this sign that his campaign placed.  Or at the least, a much, much older demographic than we’re used to.

Although, if there are any in that graveyard from the 1800’s, one of them might share his world views.

In an interview with South Dakota Searchlight, as we approach the end of the primary election cycle, Gubernatorial wannabee Toby Doeden seems to have opened up on his ridiculous campaign promise on how he’s going to eliminate property taxes in South Dakota. Or at least claims to.

He’s going to tax the hell out of the trust and financial industry in South Dakota, and hold tourists upside down to empty their pockets with new taxes. But don’t take my word for it, here’s what Doeden had to say:

O’BRIEN: You’ve been on this platform of eliminating property taxes in the state. How exactly do you plan to do that? Do you have kind of a step by step, what is that process going to look like then, for your administration?

DOEDEN: Absolutely, it’s actually quite rudimentary and very simple, old school money management, which the Republican Party used to have as their platform. It seems as though the Republican leadership in the state is now more of a progressive Democratic platform, raise taxes, you know, raised our state’s budget, spend more money. I’m going to do the opposite.

and..

Number 2, there are external revenue sources that are just waiting to be harvested and collected by South Dakota. But the career politicians have never even attempted because they like internal revenue. Internal revenue is the money that you pay out of your paycheck. It’s the money that you pay in sales tax, it’s the money you pay when you register your vehicle. That’s internal tax. It comes from a resident of South Dakota. External revenue comes from non-South Dakota residents. We’re talking about targeted visitor consumption tax. We’re talking about for the first time in our state’s history, charging all the rich billionaires from around the world that are parking their money here in legacy trusts, charging them a small fee like every other state does. So I am going to bring in some new revenue that’s not going to come from the taxpayers. It’s called external revenue.

And…

So once the economy starts growing, and it will, once I start collecting external revenue, which we will, and once I cut all of the fat and pork out of our state budget, you are going to see very quickly, within a matter of a couple of years, a significant amount of annual budget surpluses. And yes, I will use that money to target the phase out of things like property tax, tax on things like groceries and other household necessities. We will make South Dakota affordable again. It’s not that complicated and it won’t take near as long as what the politicians are trying to convince people that it’s going to take.

Read that here, and more importantly, listen to the interview at SD Searchlight.

So, if I’m going to get out of the house and go to Deadwood for a weekend, everyone going there is going to be hit with enough in tourism taxes to eliminate property taxes in the state?  That’s a pretty big fee on top of my hotel room.

And as for the financial/trust industry.. well, don’t have to worry about them parking money here anymore. They’ll immediately run for more friendly states.

Once again, nobody is proposing to solve ‘the property tax problem.’ Certainly not Toby. Just another tax-shift proposal which will end up hurting as many people who live in SD as it helps.

With the funds going to the central state government in Pierre to dictate how ‘this relief” is going to be handed out.

Reflections on Leadership
By: Governor Larry Rhoden
May 15, 2026

I have been blessed to serve in many leadership capacities in my life. Even after serving in the South Dakota National Guard, Majority Leader in the State Legislature, or as Lt. Governor and now Governor, there is still much to learn. My service to our state has afforded me even more exposure to leaders I would like to emulate, and some I’d rather not.

In my first week as Governor, I shared my desire for South Dakota to show how public service can and should be conducted. I laid out that one of the pillars of my administration would be civility, and I believe we’ve lived up to that. And along the way, I’ve realized that civility is a foundation of four qualities of leaders who get results: Stewardship, Temperament, Judgement, and Integrity.

Stewardship. Leaders should not be dictators. After all, “Under God, the People Rule.” Our authority is given in trust to serve the people. A governor has to make tough calls between right and wrong with people and policy. The goal is always to leave things better than I found them. Sometimes, that is an exciting announcement that will change the future of our state, like new opportunities for downtown development or reducing crime by double-digits. But vision requires less exciting behind-the-scenes work that can be best described as “maintenance.” I am working every day to pour solid, heavy, and level footings for the next generation to rise from. Plans are fine, but I prefer to lean on my results, large and small.

Temperament. Leaders need to have the mental, emotional, psychological, and physical strength to remain calm – all while acting clearly and decisively during good times and bad. Early on in my career, I learned to be a person who keeps their focus even if everyone else around me is losing theirs. I have tried to adhere to the words of 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Judgment. A leader is called on to make hundreds of decisions daily. The stress does not come from the number of them, but for me it is the desire to ensure I am making these decisions thoughtfully – no matter how comparatively small. Thankfully, I have a capable team of principled public servants who discuss civilly and help me make the best choices to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free. And building that team requires good judgment of character.

And last, but most important, is integrity. It almost feels patronizing to point this out, but a good leader must be honest with thoughts, words, and actions that match. Elected leaders should not have a pass on this characteristic. Above everything else, I will continue to be a Governor who tells the truth with care, even when it is difficult or unpopular. I most respect people who are honest with me, and I care too much about the people of South Dakota to have anything less than full integrity.

We make and keep South Dakota strong when we work together. Growing up in rural South Dakota, I learned about the importance of community. South Dakotans are rugged and fiercely independent – but we look out for our neighbors, and we are grounded in humility. I hope to reflect that same selflessness and fortitude as your Governor.

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