(Sioux Falls, SD) — Governor Rhoden launches “Operation: Prairie Thunder” in Sioux Falls. The year-long pilot aims to strengthen public safety with added law enforcement support and closer cooperation with ICE. This will expand local police roles and allow trained state troopers to assist in immigration enforcement under a new federal agreement. Rhoden says the goal is to keep South Dakota “strong, safe, and free,” while Mayor TenHaken notes that rising population brings rising crime totals. ICE officials call the partnership a rare and welcome boost. The operation will be reassessed at year’s end.
