Protesters Rally During Kristi Noem’s Dakota State Commencement Appearance Amid Immigration Policy Backlash

Homeland Security Secretary and former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faced protests during her visit to Dakota State University, where she delivered the 2024 commencement address and received an honorary degree.

By Patrick Johnson May 12, 2025 7:21 am

Mitchell High School graduation Class of 2025 ceremony Corn Palace commencement Mitchell SD school event Maxwell Hart graduation speech Ashlyn Reynolds senior speaker South Dakota high school graduation Mitchell public schools Mitchell Corn Palace event student commencement speakers graduation schedule Mitchell SD diploma presentation Mitchell High — Metro Services

MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Hundreds of people are protesting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s latest visit back in South Dakota. The former South Dakota Governor gave Dakota State University’s commencement speech on Saturday and also received an honorary degree. Students attending the rally voiced their concerns with how Noem is carrying out the Trump Administration’s immigration policies. Others felt the DSU’s choice was a distraction for the graduates. DSU officials say Noem has been a strong supporter of the school, especially its cybersecurity programs. A record number of DSU students received their diplomas during Saturday’s commencement. For more Government stories from MitchellNow.com, Click Here.

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