South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has announced the launch of Operation Prairie Thunder in the city of Sioux Falls. During the announcement, he was joined by representatives from nearly all local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. This is a pilot public safety initiative that will take place over the next five months, although it could be extended to other cities if proven effective.
The operation includes two main components. The first focuses on collaboration with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). In this framework, the State Highway Patrol, the National Guard, and the Department of Corrections will work directly with ICE agents to facilitate deportation procedures. Six National Guard members — three in Sioux Falls and three in Rapid City — have been activated to carry out administrative tasks, freeing up federal agents for fieldwork. Additionally, the state prison system will cooperate through a 287(g) agreement with ICE to help identify, transport, and hand over inmates in state custody who are nearing the end of their sentences.
The second component is defined as a targeted anti-crime initiative. It aims to combat drug trafficking, investigate gang activity, hold parole violators accountable, and crack down on illegal street racing. To that end, between 10 and 15 additional state troopers will be deployed twice a month in the Sioux Falls area. Aerial resources such as the Highway Patrol’s aircraft and the National Guard’s Lakota helicopters will also be used to strengthen surveillance and support specific operations.
Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken endorsed the measure, noting that while violent crime and property crime rates are at their lowest point in five years, the city’s growing population has led to a rise in the absolute number of crimes. He therefore viewed this additional collaboration positively.
For his part, Sam Olson, ICE Field Office Director in Minneapolis, explained that the operation will expand ICE’s capabilities in South Dakota, a state where federal resources are limited.
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