Governor Rhoden Unveils Bold Plan For Sioux Falls Public Safety

The state of South Dakota is rolling out a new program to help make Sioux Falls a safer place to live, work, and visit.

Big Announcement

Monday (July 28), Governor Larry Rhoden unveiled Operation: Prairie Thunder, which is being billed as a 'comprehensive, targeted public safety initiative to protect South Dakotans, especially in the Sioux Falls metro area'.

What Does the Project Include?

Operation Prairie: Thunder is a targeted anti-crime initiative to combat drugs, investigate gang activity, hold parole absconders accountable, and deter lawlessness.

It will include:

• The use of 10-15 Highway Patrol troopers for monthly saturation patrols over the next five months
• The deployment of aerial assets, including South Dakota National Guard Lakota helicopters and the South Dakota Highway Patrol airplane, to help with drug interdiction and traffic enforcement
• Utilizing Department of Corrections Parole Agents and the Absconder Apprehension Unit to assist with apprehensions and lists of fugitives, absconders, and other intelligence
• The coordination of all efforts through the existing local crime task forces in the Sioux Falls area

READ MORE: Sioux Falls Deputy Cleared In Shooting Incident With Barricaded Suspect

The Governor added that the initiative will be a comprehensive effort to support the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), secure our borders, and deport illegal alien criminals.

Working With ICE

The effort to support ICE’s work includes:

• Equipping the South Dakota Highway Patrol to assist with ICE
• Activating six SDNG soldiers to assist ICE with administrative functions
• Enabling the Department of Corrections to work with ICE to deport offenders and transfer violent offenders for federal incarceration, and assist ICE with processing and transportation of illegal alien criminals

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