South Dakota DCI Partners with ICE to Combat Violent Crime and Drug Trafficking
Pierre, SD – In a move aimed at enhancing public safety, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced a partnership between the state Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the 287(g) program. This collaboration will empower select DCI agents with federal authority to enforce immigration laws specifically against violent criminals and illegal drug dealers.
Attorney General Jackley stated, “Providing DCI agents with federal immigration enforcement authority over violent criminals and drug dealers will better protect South Dakota communities.” He emphasized the urgent need for action following his recent tour of the southern border, which reaffirmed his conviction that the additional 287(g) authority would significantly bolster DCI’s capability to address threats posed by illegal immigrants engaged in violent offenses and drug trafficking.
The partnership follows a collective effort by Jackley and other state attorneys general, who are seeking similar federal authority for their jurisdictions. Under the Task Force Model of the 287(g) program, the DCI plans to establish a dedicated Task Force Program in Pierre, with initial training sessions for agents from both Eastern and Western South Dakota facilitated by federal authorities.
Jackley made it clear that the enhanced authority will be strictly limited to individuals illegally present in the U.S. who are involved in serious criminal activities. The collaboration will be officially formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding between DCI and ICE.
This initiative marks a significant step in South Dakota’s strategy to ensure the safety of its communities by targeting the intersection of immigration enforcement and violent crime, particularly as drug trafficking continues to impact the region.
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