Brookings residents question Operation Prairie Thunder

BROOKINGS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The President of the South Dakota NAACP is happy to explain what she’s wearing.

Nieema Thasing voluntarily wears the Khimar for modesty and reflection of her beliefs. For the first time in years, she took it off before leaving the house.

“In 25 years, never had my husband tell me it would be better if I didn’t wear my stuff. I listened to him and didn’t. I felt really naked. I am being prudent.” said Thasing.

Brookings resident Tasiyagnunpa Barondeau is noticing other ethnic groups assimilating how they appear in public.

“People stop wearing cultural things or things that might speak to not being part of the white majority culture right now.” said Barondeau.

The City of Brookings acknowledged Operation Prairie Thunder’s scheduled time in their town December 17th to the 19th.

Their statement continued: “The City of Brookings will not be participating in these operations.”

Governor Rhoden responded in a statement of his own: “For security reasons, we are not going to comment on operational specifics. It’s unfortunate that the City of Brookings would jeopardize an anti-crime operation and put the safety of our officers at risk by publishing this information. In South Dakota, we enforce the rule of law.”

Barondeau questions, just exactly how many law enforcement officials are needed to consider the area “safe” with three branches of law enforcement already in town.

“Brookings Police, we have the campus police for SDSU and then we also have the Sheriff’s Department right here in Brookings as this county seat. I just don’t understand why Brookings I and I think I am not alone in that.” said Barondeau.

Thasing believes it’s because of the percentage of minorities.

“Highly melanated persons that are working in dairies and working different places, this is an escalation of what happened back in the 60s. There are no dogs or hoses; there are dog whistles.” said Thasing.

She questions the intention of Prairie Thunder.

“Causing people to be fearful. And I believe that’s the whole understanding and the idea behind it.” said Thasing.

Some Brookings residents have spoken with attorneys to better understand the rights of those stopped or questioned by ICE.

“Just staying vigilant and calm. We are not here to obstruct justice. There are trained legal observers now in our area that are aware that this is happening and are going to make themselves available should they need to.” said Barondeau.

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