Sioux Falls Library Faces Backlash Over Customs & Border Patrol Recruitment Event

Community members raise concerns about safety and inclusivity at the downtown library during the 3-day event.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:54am

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A serene, nostalgic painting of the entrance to a public library, with the building's facade and doorway cast in a warm, golden light, creating a sense of unease and tension despite the tranquil scene.The downtown Sioux Falls library, normally a hub of community activity, faces an uncertain future as it prepares to host a controversial federal law enforcement recruitment event.Sioux Falls Today

The Sioux Falls Library Board has faced criticism for allowing the Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) to reserve the Downtown Library community rooms for a job recruitment event for border patrol agents from April 7-9. Community members argue the event could make many library patrons, especially people of color and those who identify as Hispanic, feel unsafe using the library during that time period.

Why it matters

The Downtown Library is known to attract a diverse clientele, and concerns have been raised that the CBP recruitment event could deter certain groups from accessing the library's resources and services due to fears of harassment or detention. This raises questions about the library's commitment to providing an inclusive, welcoming space for all community members.

The details

According to the library's website, the intent is to make meeting and study room space available 'on a widespread and equitable basis for educational, informational, community meetings.' However, critics argue a CBP recruitment event does not align with this mission, given the agency's history of alleged physical and sexual violence against detainees, including women and children, as reported by outlets like The Associated Press and The New Republic.

  • The CBP recruitment event is scheduled for April 7-9, 2026 at the Sioux Falls Downtown Library.

The players

Sioux Falls Library Board

The governing body responsible for overseeing policies and operations at the Sioux Falls public library system.

Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP)

A federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for border control and enforcement.

Julia Natvig

A retired nurse, community health educator, and social justice activist from Sioux Falls who is co-leader of the organization Common Grounds Indivisible SD.

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What they’re saying

“I wish to share information about CBP in advance of the event so readers understand some of the accusations against the types of people who are being recruited. In well-documented reports in AP, The New Republic, The Ohio Immigrant Alliance and Human Rights Watch, CBP agents have been credibly accused of physical and sexual violence against detainees, including against women and children.”

— Julia Natvig, Co-leader, Common Grounds Indivisible SD

What’s next

The Sioux Falls Library Board will need to decide whether to proceed with allowing the CBP recruitment event to take place at the downtown library location.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the delicate balance libraries must strike between providing open access to the community and ensuring all patrons feel safe and welcome, especially marginalized groups who may be disproportionately impacted by the presence of federal law enforcement agencies with concerning track records.