The Impact of Border Security on South Dakota: Sheriff Pat West on Trump’s Crackdown

A Law Enforcement Perspective: Sheriff West Speaks Out

South Dakota Sheriff Pat West has firsthand experience with the consequences of drug trafficking and illegal crossings, and he now sees a tangible shift in the landscape due to President Donald Trump’s efforts to secure the southern border. West, who attended Trump’s address to Congress as a guest of Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), revealed that the drug supply in his state is no longer meeting the demand for methamphetamine and fentanyl. This, he argues, is direct evidence of the effectiveness of Trump’s border policies. “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,” West explained. The reduction in illegal crossings and drug flow has been significant, offering a glimmer of hope for communities grappling with the opioid crisis and related crimes.

Trump’s Progress on Border Security: A New Era of Enforcement

Rep. Dusty Johnson highlighted the strides Trump has made in securing the border during his first six weeks in office. Johnson emphasized that illegal border crossings have plummeted by 95% in the past 40 days, a result of collaboration between the White House and Congress. “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 impacts in South Dakota communities,” Johnson said. This dramatic reduction has not only curtailed the influx of illegal drugs but also eased the pressure on local law enforcement, who are now better equipped to tackle the remaining challenges.

The Connection Between Border Security and Community Safety

Sheriff West underscored the broader implications of border security, linking it directly to public safety and the well-being of South Dakota’s communities. “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,” West noted. The interplay between illegal drug shipments and local crime is undeniable. Reducing the supply of drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine disrupts not only the drug trade but also related offenses, such as theft, violence, and trafficking. West’s perspective aligns with data from federal authorities, who have reported a 94% drop in illegal crossings compared to the same period last year, as revealed by Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks.

Sheriff West’s Commitment to Justice and Accountability

West’s dedication to combating crime in South Dakota extends beyond border security. Last year, he successfully solved a high-profile sex trafficking case, locating a missing 13-year-old girl who had been abducted by a 33-year-old sex offender. In addition, he apprehended a suspect carrying approximately 2 grams of methamphetamine and 20 grams of fentanyl—enough to produce about 200 pills. These actions underscore West’s relentless pursuit of justice and his commitment to ridding his community of dangerous substances. In a statement following the arrest, West declared, “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.”

A Call to Action: Continued Support for Border Security and Law Enforcement

West expressed his hope that Trump will continue to prioritize border security and law enforcement support. “The other thing is to continue to support law enforcement and military. I’ve got two boys in the United States Marine Corps, so that gets pretty close to me. But he’s putting the right people in the right positions to support the military and keep us secure,” West said. His personal connection to the military adds a layer of urgency to his advocacy, as he sees the intertwined fates of national security and local safety. For West, securing the border is not just about numbers or policies—it’s about protecting families, communities, and the future of America.

The Broader Impact: A Community’s Fight Against Drugs and Crime

The reduction in drug shipments and illegal crossings has already begun to ripple through South Dakota, offering hope to communities that have long battled the opioid epidemic. Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, echoed the success of these measures, noting that “gotaways” at the southern border are down 95%. This dramatic decline in illegal activity has emboldened law enforcement officials like Sheriff West, who now see a pathway to reclaiming their communities from the grip of drug dealers and traffickers. While the fight is far from over, the progress made under Trump’s leadership serves as a beacon of hope for a safer, more secure America.

In conclusion, the story of Sheriff Pat West and the impact of Trump’s border policies on South Dakota highlights the critical link between border security, drug trafficking, and community safety. As the federal government continues to tighten its grip on illegal crossings, local law enforcement is beginning to see the fruits of these efforts, from reduced drug supplies to a decline in related crimes. For West, this is not just about enforcement—it’s about protecting families, upholding justice, and ensuring a safer future for all Americans.