July 29, 2025:
Two Division of Criminal Investigation agents are the first state law enforcement officers to complete the training required to help the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department enforce federal immigration law for violent criminals and drug dealers located in South Dakota.
Attorney General Marty Jackley says these agents are now equipped with the training and tools necessary to support public safety in South Dakota while upholding the law with professionalism and integrity. He says the two agents were required to complete 40 hours of online training.
Additionally, Jackley says DCI will establish a Task Force Program that is headquartered in Pierre.
July 21, 2025:
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department has officially approved (July 21, 2025) a partnership with the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation to enforce federal immigration law on violent criminals and drug dealers in South Dakota.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says DCI intends to establish a Task Force Program headquartered in Pierre. He says federal authorities would initially train DCI agents from across the state to serve as 287(g) Task Force officers.
The 287(g) program, authorized by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, allows state and local law enforcement agencies to enter agreements with ICE to perform specific immigration enforcement duties under ICE supervision. These agreements grant local officers the authority to identify, process, and detain individuals for immigration violations they encounter during their regular law enforcement activities.
Jackley says when state and federal law enforcement agencies work together, it strengthens public safety. He says he asked for this agreement to improve the ability of law enforcement agencies in South Dakota to track down violent criminals and drug dealers.
May 23, 2025:
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces the state Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is entering into a partnership with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department (ICE) to enforce federal immigration law on violent criminals and illegal drug dealers in South Dakota.
“Providing DCI agents with federal immigration enforcement authority over violent criminals and drug dealers will better protect South Dakota communities.” said Attorney General Jackley. “What I witnessed on the border reinforces my belief the additional 287(g) federal authority will strengthen DCI’s ability to take immediate action on illegal immigrants who are violent offenders or dealing drugs in our State. To be clear, I am restricting the use of this federal authority to violent criminals and drug dealers.”
Attorney General Jackley along with other State Attorneys General announced Wednesday, that as the chief law-enforcement officers of their respective states, they will seek 287(g) federal authority for their respective states and agencies. The announcement was made while they toured the southern border in Arizona.
There exist three main levels of authority under 287(g). First, in relation to jails. Second, in relation to warrants. Third, the task force and most comprehensive authority.
DCI has requested implementation in the Task Force Model which is part of the 287(g) Program. DCI intends to establish a Task Force Program headquartered in Pierre. Federal authorities would initially train DCI agents from Eastern and Western South Dakota to serve as 287(g) Task Force officers.
The Memorandum of Understanding is attached. file:///C:/Users/atpr16878/
May 22, 2025:
A group of 12 republican Attorneys General received a first-hand look at the southern border of the United States this week (May 21, 2025).
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley pledged his office’s help in dealing with those issues.
“We applaud and support President Trump, U.S. Attorney General Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Noem, Border Czar Homan, and the men and women serving here on the border for their efforts to better protect all of us,” said Jackley. “I have also authorized the State Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to obtain 287(g) program authority to help enforce federal immigration law in South Dakota with emphasis on violent criminals, and drug dealers. As Attorney General, I will ensure that my office does its part in facing this problem.’
The 287(g) program, authorized by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, allows state and local law enforcement agencies to enter agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to perform specific immigration enforcement duties under ICE supervision. These agreements grant local officers the authority to identify, process, and detain individuals for immigration violations they encounter during their regular law enforcement activities.
Attorney General Jackley and the group visited the gap in President Trump’s wall at the Cocopah Indian Reservation, a site marked by abandoned ladders used to illegally enter into the United States, a recently constructed border wall, and the Colorado River. The Attorneys General also held a roundtable discussion with local authorities to discuss the increased cost and the impact illegal immigrants have had on their communities.
Other Attorney Generals in the group were from: Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Utah.
The trip was organized by the Republican Attorneys General Association.
May 21, 2025:
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has authorized the state Division of Criminal Investigation to obtain the authority [287(g)] to help federal officials enforce United States immigration laws in South Dakota.
Jackley said fentanyl and other illegal drugs brought into the country by cartels and illegal immigrants continue to be a major problem in South Dakota. He says federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities cannot do it alone, so DCI’s emphasis will be on violent criminals and drug dealers.
Jackley made the announcement Wednesday (May 21, 2025) during a visit with other Attorneys General to the United States border with Mexico in Arizona.
The 287(g) program, authorized by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, allows state and local law enforcement agencies to enter agreements with ICE to perform specific immigration enforcement duties under ICE supervision. These agreements grant local officers the authority to identify, process, and detain individuals for immigration violations they encounter during their regular law enforcement activities.
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