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

Operation Prairie Thunder Launched

• 🎯 South Dakota is initiating its largest crackdown on crime and illegal immigration, dubbed Operation Prairie Thunder.
• 🗓️ The operation will run for five months, with up to 15 state troopers patrolling monthly to target drug sales, gang activity, and visa violators.
• 🚁 Air support will be provided by Lakota helicopters and a highway patrol airplane for drug interdiction and traffic enforcement.

National Guard and ICE Support

• 💂 Six National Guard soldiers have been activated to assist ICE with processing and administrative tasks related to deportations.
• ⚡ This support aims to increase efficiency, allowing ICE agents to focus more on street arrests.

Targeting Fugitives and Deportations

• 🔍 A special team is targeting fugitives and visa violators, some of whom may be flagged for deportation under a 287g agreement.
• ⚖️ The state has flagged at least 10 undocumented inmates for potential parole to ICE, primarily nonviolent offenders nearing their sentences.
• 📈 ICE has already made at least 262 arrests in South Dakota with limited federal personnel.

The 287g Agreement Explained

• 🤝 The 287g agreement allows local law enforcement to assist with immigration duties and raids, a key initiative from the Trump administration.
• 🚗 Under this agreement, local officers can refer individuals stopped for offenses like DUI directly to ICE.
• 🗺️ These partnerships are becoming widespread, particularly in Republican states like Texas, Florida, and Georgia, with an increasing trend in interior states as well.