South Dakota Sheriff Lauds Trump’s Border Security Efforts, Cites Impact on Drug Supply
Meade County Sheriff Pat West of South Dakota has voiced strong support for former President Donald Trump’s border security policies, asserting that they have already yielded a tangible impact on the availability of illicit drugs within his state. Sheriff West’s remarks come ahead of President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress, where border security is expected to be a prominent topic.
Sheriff West, who was a guest of Rep. Dusty Johnson, a Republican representing South Dakota, for President Trump’s address, emphasized that the measures implemented at the southern border have disrupted the flow of drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl into South Dakota. He noted that the supply of these substances is no longer adequately meeting the existing demand, suggesting a direct correlation between border enforcement and drug availability in his jurisdiction.
"We are seeing a big impact on the border. Methamphetamine and fentanyl [are] our biggest problems that we’ve had in the past, and it’s been running rampant. The shutdown of the border recently has already made an impact on us up north in South Dakota," Sheriff West stated, underscoring the perceived effectiveness of recent border security initiatives.
Rep. Dusty Johnson echoed Sheriff West’s sentiments, highlighting what he characterized as significant progress made during President Trump’s initial weeks in office with respect to border security. He asserted that illegal border crossings had decreased by a substantial 95% within the first 40 days of the Trump administration. Johnson attributed this achievement to collaborative efforts between the White House and Congress, along with the dedication of law enforcement officials like Sheriff West.
"I know that people think that the federal government never gets its work done, but we have seen illegal border crossings down 95% just in the last 40 days of the Trump administration. That has been the White House and Congress working together. Great law enforcement officers like Sheriff West are seeing those impact in South Dakota communities," Johnson stated.
The claims made by Sheriff West and Rep. Johnson are further supported by figures released by Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks, who reported a 94% reduction in illegal crossings at the southern border compared to the same period in the previous year. Similarly, Tom Homan, who served as President Trump’s border czar, cited a 95% decrease in "gotaways" at the southern border during a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). "Gotaways" refer to individuals who successfully evade apprehension by border patrol agents.
Sheriff West emphasized the broader implications of border security for crime prevention within his community. He explained that the drug problem is intrinsically linked to other criminal activities in the area. By effectively controlling the border, he argued, the influx of methamphetamine and fentanyl into South Dakota can be significantly reduced, thereby mitigating the associated crime rates.
"Overall our drug problem is connected to a lot of our other crimes that we have in the community. By controlling the border, it eliminates the amount of unnecessary methamphetamine and fentanyl that is coming across the border and then ultimately getting to South Dakota," Sheriff West asserted.
Looking ahead, Sheriff West expressed his desire for continued funding of border security measures, deeming it "extremely important for our home front." He also advocated for sustained support for law enforcement and the military, noting that he has two sons serving in the United States Marine Corps. He lauded President Trump for appointing individuals who are supportive of the military and committed to national security.
Sheriff West’s dedication to law enforcement extends beyond border security. He recounted a recent case in which he successfully rescued a missing 13-year-old girl who had been abducted by a 33-year-old male sex offender. He also detailed the arrest of an individual found in possession of approximately 2 grams of methamphetamine and 20 grams of fentanyl, which translates to roughly 200 pills.
Sheriff West concluded with a resolute commitment to combating illicit drugs within Meade County. "Illicit drugs, especially fentanyl and methamphetamine, continue to be a scourge on our communities. The devastation these drugs cause can’t be measured. We will continue to do all we can to get this poison off the streets in Meade County and hold those who bring this poison here accountable," he declared in a statement following the arrest.
The statements from Sheriff West and Rep. Johnson come amid ongoing debate over border security and its effectiveness in combating drug trafficking. The assertions made by these officials will likely add further fuel to the discussion as the Trump administration continues to prioritize border enforcement as a key strategy for addressing the opioid crisis and reducing crime rates.
