Multiple tribal nations in South Dakota have issued bans against Governor Kristi Noem, citing her immigration, crime, and race-related remarks as the cause of strained relations. As a result, Noem is now prohibited from stepping foot on over 10 percent of the land in the state she governs.

The tensions between the governor and tribal nations have been escalating since Noem took office in 2019. However, recent comments made by Noem have exacerbated the situation, leading to the bans. Some tribes have also accused Noem of making decisions to boost former President Trump's campaign efforts.

The Oglala Sioux Tribe was the first to initiate the ban in early February after Noem made comments about the U.S.-Mexico border, referring to it as an "invasion." Tribe president Frank Star Comes Out stated that the tribe did not support Noem's justification for sending South Dakota National Guard troops to the border, criticizing the separation of families during the Trump administration and the use of razor wire.

Noem placed blame on President Biden for the border crisis, to which Star Comes Out responded that it was "unfortunate" the tribe's concerns were politicized. The Hill reached out to the tribe for further comment.

The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe implemented a ban on April 2, following Noem's uninvited attendance at a meeting where she was accused of using it for her own agenda. Chairman Ryman LeBeau expressed concern over Noem's comments, where she suggested that some tribal leaders were profiting from drug dealers. The tribe's intergovernmental affairs officer emphasized that several tribes share the sentiment that Noem does not respect or understand tribal sovereignty.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, which straddles the border between North Dakota and South Dakota, also banned Noem, citing her "racially charged" comments. Some members of the South Dakota delegation were displeased with the ban, but it was supported by the majority. Tribal Chair Janet Alkire criticized Noem for attempting to link tribes with Mexican cartels, describing it as fear-based politics that do not contribute to problem-solving.

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe became the fourth tribal nation to ban Noem from its land, attributing the ban not only to her recent comments but also to her relationships with tribes since taking office. The tribe claimed that Noem's actions as governor contradict her stated desire to establish meaningful relationships with tribes.

Despite the bans, Noem remains committed to increasing public safety on reservations and addressing the impact of the surge in migrants. She reaffirmed her stance in an emailed statement, urging tribal leaders to confront the Mexican drug cartels responsible for crimes on tribal lands.

The bans against Governor Noem highlight the deep divisions between tribal nations and the governor's office in South Dakota. The strains in relations stem from controversial remarks made by Noem regarding immigration, crime, and racial issues. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact future interactions between the state government and tribal nations.