Gov. Rhoden accused of using state resources for political ambitions, President Trump's agenda
Governor's office defends Operation: Prairie Thunder amid political heat
South Dakota’s governor is facing blowback after announcing a sweeping immigration enforcement initiative in support of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal entries into the United States.
Democratic Party leaders, social justice advocates and critics of the White House's aggressive enforcement of U.S. immigration laws are voicing concern over Operation: Prairie Thunder, a public safety pilot unveiled by Gov. Larry Rhoden on Monday that will deploy South Dakota Highway Patrol officers, National Guard personnel and Department of Corrections resources in support of federal immigration enforcement, specifically U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in eastern South Dakota.
Opponents say the move sends the wrong message and signals a broader alignment with the president’s hardline immigration stance potentially motivated by the prospects of a 2026 gubernatorial campaign.
