SF Mayor TenHaken: Take a stand against Prairie Thunder, and support all community members

Dear Mayor TenHaken,

For nearly two decades, I've had the privilege of calling Sioux Falls my home. Originally from Lima, Peru, I found in this city a welcoming community, strong friendships, and rewarding employment opportunities.

My deep affection for Sioux Falls is evident in the song I wrote and shared on YouTube, “Sioux Falls in My Heart.” It is precisely this love for our city that compels me to express my serious concerns regarding the Operation: Prairie Thunder initiative.

I understand the desire to maintain public safety, but I fail to see the justification for this program, particularly its potential negative impact on minority communities, and specifically, the Latino community.

Sioux Falls is not a border city; we do not experience a surge in undocumented immigration. Crime rates, according to city data, have been consistently low for five consecutive years. Therefore, creating a problem where none exists seems counterproductive.

Numerous studies by reputable organizations, including the Migration Policy Institute and Stanford University, consistently demonstrate a lack of correlation between immigration and increased crime rates. We already have established mechanisms in place — our Police Department, the FBI, SWAT — to effectively address crime.

Allocating significant additional resources to Prairie Thunder appears to be a misallocation of funds when pressing issues like homelessness, Medicaid cuts, and underfunded school lunch programs demand immediate attention.

The Latino community, who contribute significantly to the fabric of Sioux Falls through essential work in construction, roads maintenance, landscaping, restaurant services, senior care, and many other vital sectors, are understandably distressed by this initiative. They are our neighbors, their children attend our schools, they pay taxes, and they share our common values. 

This collaboration between local and federal agencies risks damaging the crucial trust between law enforcement and minority communities, ultimately undermining public safety.

As a man of faith and a dedicated public servant, I appeal to your compassion and wisdom, Mayor TenHaken. I urge you to reconsider the Prairie Thunder initiative. Your oath of office is to serve ALL residents of Sioux Falls, regardless of their immigration status.

Let’s prioritize the well-being of our entire community and direct our resources toward addressing the real challenges facing our city.

Hector Curriel is a visual artist based in Sioux Falls. His background spans architecture in Lima, Peru, and art studies in Minneapolis. He has worked as an editorial cartoonist, book illustrator, and fine artist. His awards include recognitions from the Charles Schulz competition and the Western Writers of America. His work is in numerous private and public collections. He also conducts art workshops and residencies throughout South Dakota.

Editor’s note: In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Mayor TenHaken responded to criticism of Prairie Thunder and the city of Sioux Falls’ role in it.

He said the city welcomes assistance in dealing with chronic problems including parole absconders, speeding drivers and exhibition driving, and drug use and dealing.

But TenHaken said Sioux Falls will not be involved in crackdowns on undocumented people, nor will it assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement in deportation efforts. He blamed “misinformation” for distorting the city’s role.

“Our Sioux Falls Police Department will remain consistent with the practices they have had for years, which is focusing on crime within our community, and have no plans to depart from what we have done in the past to ensure we remain a safe city,” he wrote.

Photo: public domain, wikimedia commons

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