Gov. Larry Rhoden activated the South Dakota National Guard’s 155th Engineering Company on Thursday, Oct. 22, ordering about 120 soldiers to deploy to the U.S. southern border for roughly one year to support border security operations, the governor’s office said.
Limited operational details released
State officials said the exact departure date and operational specifics will not be released publicly for the guardsmen’s safety. The governor’s office did provide a general mission description and background context for the activation.
"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."
State officials cite drug interdiction as part of rationale
In announcing the deployment, the governor’s office highlighted ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking across the southern border. The release noted that authorities seized 773 pounds of fentanyl in August 2026 and framed the Guard activation as part of a broader set of responses to intercept contraband and strengthen border security.
How this fits with prior actions
The activation follows several previous border-related steps taken during Rhoden’s administration. The governor last year visited 50 soldiers from the South Dakota National Guard’s 109th Engineer Battalion while they were deployed to the southern border. Earlier, Rhoden deployed seven guardsmen to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and he signed legislation known as Senate Bill 7 that prohibits sanctuary cities in South Dakota.
The announcement did not detail the specific duties the 155th Engineering Company will perform at the border, how the unit’s engineering capabilities will be used in the mission, or the precise mix of roles guardsmen will fill alongside federal authorities.
Practical effects and local implications
For communities that host members of the 155th Engineering Company, a yearlong mobilization can mean prolonged family separation and local workforce impacts. The National Guard traditionally supports families of deployed soldiers through state and unit-level resources; however, the governor’s release did not outline support measures specific to this activation.
At the state level, the deployment underscores South Dakota’s continued engagement in national border operations, aligning the state’s Guard activity with federal border security priorities and with the governor’s stated policy objectives.
Context: who is deploying
| Unit | Approximate personnel | Deployment length (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 155th Engineering Company | 120 soldiers | About one year |
The governor’s office said the activation was ordered Thursday and framed it as part of an ongoing effort to keep South Dakota and the nation secure.
- What officials released: unit name, size (about 120), and approximate deployment duration (about one year).
- What officials withheld: specific departure date and operational details for safety reasons.
- Context provided: recent fentanyl seizures and past Guard deployments to the border.
Local leaders and families directly affected by the activation may seek further information from the South Dakota National Guard or the governor’s office on support services, timelines and any community briefings. The governor’s office statement and past public comments provide the framework officials chose for releasing information while citing operational security as a justification for withholding specifics.
The deployment adds to a pattern of state-level Guard involvement in border operations under the current administration, a subject that remains salient to lawmakers and communities weighing the balance between state and federal roles in immigration and drug-interdiction policy.
As the deployment progresses, the governor’s office and the South Dakota National Guard are expected to provide updates as safety and operational considerations allow.
