By 
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — While the attention of ICE presence in Minnesota continues, it is also felt in South Dakota.
The initiative Operation Prairie Thunder, announced by Governor Rhoden last August, is to seek out crime and make arrests. In tandem with the project, detecting possible illegal immigrants in our state.
Taneeza Islam, an immigration attorney and CEO of South Dakota Voices for Peace, describes how the first line is South Dakota law enforcement:
“Is there any ice activity in South Dakota? Absolutely yes. It really looks like Highway Patrol saturation,” said Islam.
The Department of Public Safety’s numbers released today show that during Operation Prairie Thunder, 63 ICE contacts have been taken into custody. They are mostly men.
“Many leave behind wives and children,” said Islam.
She describes a woman residing in South Dakota, who she believes has no criminal history, appearing in Minnesota for an immigration hearing.
“When she left the courtroom, she was detained. And deported within a couple of weeks, leaving behind a baby here in South Dakota,” said Islam.
Islam says many are learning that ICE needs to show a judicial warrant to enter a home or private sections of businesses and schools without permission, but what about being stopped in a car? She says there are three mandatory things to provide:
“A valid driver’s license, valid proof of registration of your car, and valid car insurance. Beyond these three things that you must provide under state statute in South Dakota, you have a right to remain silent.”
Our Beth Warden asked if ICE agents are allowed to smash car windows.
“No, they’re not,” said Islam. “I mean that’s why having observers is so critical, to preserve first-hand evidence through these recordings and documentation by observers, in anticipation of litigation down the road, institutional right.”
In a statement to Dakota News Now, Governor Larry Rhoden said:
“Operation: Prairie Thunder continues to do great work to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free. It is important to note that the operation has two distinct initiatives:
1. Saturation patrols to fight crime and drugs; and
2. A targeted support for ICE.
“Let me be clear: Highway Patrol troopers do not have a special mission to find illegal aliens. They are working on crime and drug enforcement. When that mission brings them in contact with someone who is here illegally, they enforce the law and hand that individual over to the proper authorities.”
South Dakota Voices for Peace participants are aware of the concerns of observers.
The organization provides training on how to be an observer and evaluate risk.
“Record and observe any law enforcement activity anywhere, as long as we don’t disrupt or obstruct what law enforcement is trying to do,” said Islam.
