Sioux Falls residents at city council meeting urge leaders to reject South Dakota’s new immigration crackdown.

(Sioux Falls, SD) — Tensions rise in Sioux Falls as residents pack a city council meeting, urging leaders to reject South Dakota’s new immigration crackdown. The backlash follows Governor Rhoden’s launch of Operation Prairie Thunder, a new initiative that boosts law enforcement and partners with ICE to target undocumented immigrants. Community members on Wednesday said the program is spreading fear, especially among immigrant and refugee families, and are asking the city to pull out. But just before the meeting, Mayor Paul TenHaken said the city can’t override state law. Advocates say they’ll keep pushing to protect immigrant rights and keep families from living in fear. The Governor’s plan runs through the end of the year, with a review set for early 2026.