July 23, 2025

Community Voices Concerns Over Proposed Immigration Program

News Summary

In Bluffton, South Carolina, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office faces backlash over the proposal to reinstate the 287(g) immigration program. This controversial program would enable local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws. At a recent community meeting, residents expressed differing opinions, with concerns about public safety vs. trust within immigrant communities. Sheriff Tanner argues it will reduce crime, but many fear it could lead to racial profiling and strained relations with law enforcement. Discussions continue as the community navigates the complexities of public safety and immigration enforcement.

Bluffton, South Carolina: Community Voices Concerns Over Proposed 287(g) Immigration Program

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office faces considerable community backlash over Sheriff P.J. Tanner’s proposal to reinstate the controversial 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws in partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This proposal was a central topic at a community meeting hosted by the Beaufort County Council on March 25, 2025, at the Beaufort County Library in Bluffton, marking the second of two such meetings held this month.

During the session, roughly 150 attendees packed the meeting room, with many others logging in virtually. Residents expressed a wide range of opinions about the proposed program, which some believe will enhance public safety while others see it as detrimental to community trust, particularly among immigrant populations.

Concrete concerns were voiced regarding the potential implications of the program on community safety and engagement. Community activist Seth Hershberger highlighted the importance of maintaining trust within the community. Another attendee pointed out the risk of losing vetted immigrants who contribute positively if the program were to be implemented.

The proposed implementation would entail a significant financial investment, with costs estimated around $135,000 for deputies’ salaries, gear, and necessary vehicles. The ACLU South Carolina representative Dulce Lopez noted that Charleston County’s implementation of the program required $5 million annually, raising further concerns about financial efficiency.

Sheriff Tanner argues that the previous deployments of the 287(g) program in Beaufort County have effectively reduced crime. He plans to train two out of his 250 deputies in the program to improve their understanding of immigration law. This is a revival of the sheriff’s effort to reinstate the program after it was discontinued during the Obama administration due to policy changes. After facing challenges under that administration, Tanner had reapplied for the program under the Trump administration, proposing a task force model that would allow local officers to assess and question individuals regarding their immigration status.

Concerns were amplified by residents who fear that the program might increase racial profiling and erode trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. The fear is that immigrant individuals may feel discouraged from reporting crimes if they suspect that police officers will prioritize immigration enforcement over their safety and well-being. This potential for strained relationships between immigrants and law enforcement raises alarms among advocates who emphasize the need for community-focused policing strategies rather than enforcement of federal immigration laws.

The initial meeting witnessed a surge in community engagement, with some individuals turned away due to lack of space. Feedback received from participants revealed a strong desire for a balanced approach to public safety—one that prioritizes genuine community engagement rather than harsh immigration enforcement.

Moving forward, Sheriff Tanner is waiting for a response from the Department of Homeland Security concerning the proposed task force contract. He asserts that the intention of reinstating the 287(g) program is to enhance public safety, despite the concerns voiced by many community members during the meeting.

As the debate continues, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office must reconcile differing views among residents while considering the implications of the 287(g) program on community trust and safety. Local advocates stress the importance of focusing on community well-being and authentic public safety measures rather than strict immigration law enforcement.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Community Divided Over Sheriff Tanner’s 287(g) Program Reinstatement
Beaufort Sheriff Moves to Reinstate ICE Agreement Amid Community Concerns
Concerns Over Immigration Policy in Hilton Head Island
Community Opposition to 287(g) Program in Beaufort County
Community Outcry in Beaufort Over Immigration Program
Local Activists Defend Right to Protest in Beaufort
Community Outrage Over Sheriff Tanner’s Immigration Proposal
Community Concerns Rise Over 287(g) Immigration Proposal
Beaufort Sheriff Hosts Public Meeting on Immigration Concerns
Community Protests Against Trump Administration Policies

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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