By Scout Nelson
South Dakota’s agriculture leaders are raising concerns after USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced plans for a “100 percent American workforce” across all industries, including farming. Speaking at a press conference, Rollins confirmed the federal government’s intention to begin mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, stating there would be “no amnesty” for migrant workers on farms.
South Dakota’s agriculture industry, which ranks as the state’s number one economic sector, relies heavily on immigrant labor. Many industry leaders believe that enforcing such strict immigration policies could harm farming operations across the state.
Governor Larry Rhoden, while acknowledging he hadn’t reviewed Secretary Rollins’ specific remarks, expressed his understanding of her stance. “Well I think in her position that needs to be the goal, that every migrant worker is here legitimately. And we’ve seen cases where that’s not the case," said Governor Larry Rhoden.
“What’s troubled me more than anything else is when the business owners have been attacked unfairly about having illegal migrant workers here. You know, they were given false information from that worker," said Rhoden. "I think it’s imperative that we do take the steps to be sure the people that we’re hiring, bringing to the United States are here legally.”
Current labor laws mandate that agricultural employers accept documents that seem valid. If employers reject seemingly authentic papers, they risk legal action. This creates a challenge for farm owners trying to comply with both immigration and labor laws.
Despite these complexities, Rhoden said he remains supportive of immigration enforcement efforts. “I’ve not heard major concerns from the industry yet,” he stated. He noted South Dakota’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities through programs like 87G, where the state’s Highway Patrol assists ICE operations.
Rhoden voiced full support for Secretary Kristi Noem’s efforts to curb illegal immigration in South Dakota, believing Secretary Rollins’ comments serve as a warning to undocumented workers.
South Dakota’s leaders continue to balance the need for a strong agriculture workforce with the push for strict immigration policies, closely watching how federal actions may impact their farming communities.
Photo Credit: istock-fangxianuo
Categories: South Dakota, Government & Policy