South Dakota's 'Operation Prairie Thunder' Targets Crime and Illegal Immigration

Operation Prairie Thunder Launched

• 🎯 South Dakota is initiating 'Operation Prairie Thunder,' its largest crackdown on crime and illegal immigration, set to last for five months.
• 🚔 The operation will involve up to 15 state troopers patrolling monthly to target drug sales, gang activity, and immigration violators in the metro area.

Air and National Guard Support

• 🚁 Helicopters and a highway patrol airplane will be deployed for drug interdiction and traffic enforcement.
• 💂 Six National Guard soldiers have been activated to directly assist ICE with processing and administrative tasks related to deportations, aiming to expedite the process.

Targeting Undocumented Criminals

• 🔍 A special team is focused on apprehending fugitives and violators, some of whom may be flagged for deportation under a 287g agreement.
• ⚖️ The state has flagged at least 10 undocumented inmates, primarily nonviolent offenders nearing the end of their sentences, for potential parole to ICE.
• 📈 ICE has reported making at least 262 arrests in South Dakota with a limited federal officer presence.

The 287g Agreement Explained

• 🤝 The 287g agreement, an initiative from the Trump administration, urges local law enforcement to partner with ICE.
• 📜 This agreement grants local law enforcement powers to assist with immigration duties and raids, allowing direct referral of individuals to ICE, such as during a DUI stop.
• 🗺️ These partnerships are becoming more widespread, particularly in Republican states like Texas, Florida, and Georgia, but are also growing in interior states like North Carolina, Arkansas, Louisiana, and now South Dakota.
• 🌟 Florida aims to be a role model for local law enforcement cooperation with ICE, seeking to lead in the number of 287g agreements.