Pierre, S.D.- The third set of saturation patrols in the Sioux Falls area concluded September 19 as part of Operation: Prairie Thunder. Patrols included members of the Highway Patrol in coordination with city, county, and federal law enforcement.

Operation: Prairie Thunder has two main components:

• A targeted anti-crime initiative in the Sioux Falls metro to interdict drugs, investigate gang activity, hold parole absconders accountable, and deter lawlessness; and
• A comprehensive effort to support the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to secure our borders. 

The primary purpose of the saturation patrols is targeting crime and unsafe activity on the roads. Any immigration-related encounters are a byproduct of enforcing state traffic and criminal laws.

Individual operation results from all three operations and a cumulative total are attached.

The Highway Patrol is an agency of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

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