Illegal Immigration crackdown comes to KELOLAND

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — KELOLAND News noticed a marked increase in immigration-related arrests in the past week. We’ve also seen an increase in immigration-related documents being filed locally in federal court. Court papers and jail logs tell the story, we’ve come across more than a dozen recent arrests and federal filings related to possible immigration violations in South Dakota.

For instance in this case, dated January 22nd, Victor Manuel Jimenez-Rivera is accused of using a phony permanent resident card. The federal complaint is signed by a special agent with Homeland Security.We found at least 6 people booked into the Minnehaha County jail on Tuesday and Wednesday, who were being held on an ICE detainer. Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead says there is no doubt we are seeing an increase in arrests of those who are in the country illegally.

“With the new administration and their priorities, apprehending criminal aliens, looking for people who have committed crimes in the U.S. who are here illegally, with that as their priority we expected to see an increase in ICE arrests or ICE detentions,” said Sheriff Mike Milstead.

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Last week, the Trump administration said it was expanding the use of “expedited removal.” It gives enforcement agencies broad authority to deport people without requiring them to appear before an immigration judge. The raids are happening in the nation’s largest cities.On Wednesday President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, giving federal authorities broader power to deport immigrants in the U.S. illegally who have been accused of crimes. The Sioux Falls Police Department tells us officers were not directly involved in any recent immigration arrests.Sheriff Milstead says local agencies including his office have always cooperated with homeland security, he expects many more arrests as the crackdown and deportations ramp up in KELOLAND. We reached out to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials for comment on the arrests in Sioux Falls, but have yet to hear back from them.