MITCHELL — A well-known agriculture equipment manufacturer in South Dakota is under active investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The federal agency has confirmed that an active investigation is underway at Trail King Industries facility in Mitchell.
Trail King had its start in 1974, operating out of a garage. Now, the headquarters employ around 500 people and builds everything from small utility trailers to million-pound transportation systems. It is the only full-line manufacturer of trailers in the country.
In addition to the Mitchell location, Trail King has manufacturing plants in Yankton and West Fargo, N.D. The company employs roughly 770 workers at all the plants combined.
While ICE has acknowledged the investigation, officials have declined to share further details due to its ongoing nature. Trail King’s leadership has also opted not to comment on the matter.
No information has been made public about the investigation’s focus or whether any enforcement actions have been taken.
ICE has been critical of companies for allegedly employing undocumented workers, emphasizing that immigration enforcement isn’t limited to big cities but extends to small towns across rural America.
In a South Dakota News Watch interview, Jamie Holt, St. Paul Special Agent in Charge, said, “Employers who knowingly hire individuals without legal work authorization not only undermine our nation’s immigration laws but also exploit vulnerable populations.
“These enforcement actions make it clear: illegal hiring practices aren’t limited to major metropolitan areas — they are happening in small towns across rural America, and we will continue to hold violators accountable, wherever they operate.”
ICE has maintained a visible presence in the state this year, including a May raid in Madison, S.D., that led to eight arrests at two businesses accused of employing undocumented workers at Manitou Equipment and Global Polymer Industries. Manitou had previously received nearly $1 million in taxpayer funded programs under former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem who now heads ICE and the Department of Homeland Security.
This development comes amid a broader push for immigration enforcement in South Dakota. Attorney General Marty Jackley recently announced a new partnership between ICE and the state’s Division of Criminal Investigation under the 287(g) program, which allows state agents to assist in federal immigration efforts targeting violent crime and drug trafficking.
DCI plans to establish a task force headquartered in Pierre, with agents from across the state receiving federal training to serve as Task Force officers.
