Noem jumps into border policy debate on border visit

MCALLEN, Texas (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s whirlwind tour of the U.S. border with Mexico on Monday was filled with climbing into military vehicles, visiting with troops and positioning herself as tough on an issue that’s sure to loom large in 2024 presidential debates.

The Republican governor flew to McAllen, Texas, to check in with the roughly 50 South Dakota National Guard members who volunteered for a 30-day deployment. She heard how troops have encountered many children crossing and are eager to be stationed where even more people cross the border each night.

Noem sent the Guard to aid Texas’ push to arrest people crossing the border illegally.