I’ve now been Governor of South Dakota for about 2 weeks. We finally have bills reaching my desk. I just signed my first bill as Governor, Senate Bill 7, which bans Sanctuary Cities in South Dakota.

This bill is a strong piece of legislation. It’s a show of support for President Trump’s work to make America safe again. This bill reiterates South Dakota’s respect for the rule of law.

Unfortunately, South Dakota is impacted by the unlawful and uncontrolled immigration. The decisions made by the previous administration in Washington turned every state into a border state. Thankfully, President Trump is putting a stop to that. And our own South Dakotan, Secretary Kristi Noem, is on the frontlines getting that work done.

In the meantime, South Dakota has been doing our part to stop the flow of illegal immigrants into our country. We’ve sent National Guard soldiers to the southern border on several occasions over the last few years to help Texas enforce the rule of law and build border fencing. And I will continue looking for ways to work with the Trump Administration to support their immigration enforcement efforts.

This bill is an important step to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free. My office worked on getting this bill passed. I am very glad that the legislature got it to my desk quickly, and I am proud to sign it into law.

I am very supportive of President Trump’s efforts to deport criminal illegal immigrants first. His administration has been operating fairly and effectively. They are focused on public safety. I am encouraged by what they’ve already accomplished.

I realize that sanctuary cities have not been a challenge for us in South Dakota, and this bill ensures that they never will be. As politicians in other cities and states try to stand in the way of President Trump’s enforcement efforts, this bill ensures South Dakota will be an ally to the federal government as they carry out this important work.

I look forward to continuing to work with the legislature throughout the rest of this session to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free. This bill is an important step to keep our state safe.

--  By: Governor Larry Rhoden