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South Dakota National Guard Activates 120 Soldiers for Southern Border Deployment

Writer: Steve Jurrens
Steve Jurrens
1 hour ago
1 min read
Governor Larry Rhoden shakes hands with a soldier at an outdoor event; Northeast Radio SD logo and South Dakota seal on black background.

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - Gov. Larry Rhoden activated the 155th Engineering Company of the South Dakota National Guard on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, for an upcoming deployment to the U.S. southern border.


According to a governor's office release, the 120 soldiers of the 155th Engineering Company will deploy for about one year to support border security operations. Officials said that, for the guardsmen's safety, they will not release the exact departure date or operational specifics of the mission to the public.


"We have the most secure border in American history! But there is still more work to do, and we cannot give up the fight," Rhoden said. "I am proud of our brave guardsmen for serving with strength and courage. Their mission at the border is key to keeping our state and nation strong, safe, and free."

Focus on Drug Interdiction and Prior Border Deployments

In announcing the deployment, the governor's office highlighted ongoing efforts to stop drug trafficking across the border, noting that authorities seized 773 pounds of fentanyl in August 2026.


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Thursday's activation follows several previous border-related actions during Rhoden's tenure. Last year, the governor visited 50 soldiers from the South Dakota National Guard's 109th Engineer Battalion during their deployment to the southern border. Rhoden also previously deployed seven guardsmen to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and as governor, he signed Senate Bill 7 into law, which prohibited sanctuary cities in South Dakota.

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