Governor Larry Rhoden's Operation Prairie Thunder has expanded since its July 2025 launch, with South Dakota Highway Patrol increasing trained troopers from five to 41 through a 287(g) agreement with ICE. Through May 2026, National Guard members assisted in processing 664 undocumented immigrants for deportation, while 24 inmates were paroled to ICE custody with 14 more under consideration. The expansion has drawn criticism from advocacy groups including the ACLU and South Dakota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who cite concerns about racial profiling and community mistrust, though state officials cite operational success.