TEXAS(DRGNews)- South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is at the United States’ southern border again, this time to get an update from 50 of the state’s National Guard soldiers stationed there as part of Texas’ efforts to stop illegal immigrants from entering the country (Operation Lone Star).

Noem was joined at the border by South Dakota Adjutant General Mark Morrell and South Dakota Secretary of Public Safety Bob Perry, who officially started his job yesterday.

Due to a recent surge in border crossings, September 2023 is expected to surpass previous monthly highs. US Customs and Border Patrol data shows encounters have remained at record high levels for the past three years.

Noem says the Mexican drug cartels are taking advantage of the open border and the situation continues to deteriorate. She says South Dakota National Guard troops are serving alongside soldiers from Texas and other states to bring some stability to the “warzone.”

Last week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott invoked Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3 of the United States Constitution, “enabling the State of Texas to protect its own territory against invasion by the Mexican drug cartels.”