July 9, 2025

Community Concerns Rise Over 287(g) Immigration Proposal

News Summary

A public meeting in Beaufort County attracted numerous community members who raised concerns over Sheriff P.J. Tanner’s proposal to reintroduce the 287(g) immigration program. While Tanner views it as a crime-fighting tool, attendees expressed fears of racial profiling and unjust detentions. Financial implications and the potential impact on local trust in law enforcement were also discussed. In response to community feedback, additional informational meetings are planned as the debate around the program’s future continues. Protest plans are already in motion to oppose its revival.

Beaufort County, SC – A public meeting held on Tuesday night saw full attendance as community members voiced concerns over Sheriff P.J. Tanner’s proposal to reintroduce the 287(g) immigration program, which promotes collaboration between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for immigration law enforcement.

At the meeting, Sheriff Tanner outlined his intention to utilize the 287(g) program as a means to enhance crime-fighting capabilities in Beaufort County, describing it as an essential tool in his “toolbox” for maintaining public safety. He drew parallels between the 287(g) program and existing partnerships with federal task forces, such as the U.S. Marshals Taskforce and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

However, many attendees expressed significant apprehensions regarding the potential repercussions of reintroducing the program. Concerns primarily focused on the risks of racial profiling and unjust detentions based on experiences noted in other communities where similar programs have been implemented. Some individuals shared narratives of U.S. citizens from their circles being wrongly detained by immigration authorities, amplifying fears about the program’s local impact.

Financial implications were also a topic of discussion, with community members questioning the cost-effectiveness of reintroducing the 287(g) program. Critics pointed out that existing measures were already successfully achieving public safety objectives without the need for the 287(g) program. Despite this, Sheriff Tanner maintained that the reimplementation would allow for a more streamlined process for individuals residing in the U.S. illegally, focusing primarily on those committing crimes rather than indiscriminate enforcement actions.

The event culminated in over an hour of dialogue, during which many attendees felt a lack of productive communication. The community stressed the necessity for a more comprehensive understanding of the program’s goals and implications. In response to this feedback, Sheriff Tanner proposed to hold additional informational meetings to foster community engagement and address lingering questions.

As of now, Beaufort County does not have an active 287(g) program. The proposal for its revival comes amid a nationwide trend since 2017 when participation in the program increased significantly under the Trump administration. By early July 2025, local and state agencies across the U.S. had signed 754 agreements to participate in the program, a stark rise from just 135 agreements at the start of that year.

Previously, Sheriff Tanner attempted to reintroduce the program in early 2017; however, his application did not receive the necessary confirmation. Critics continue to argue that local immigration task forces foster fear within immigrant communities, potentially leading to decreased cooperation with law enforcement on serious crimes. Some meeting attendees expressed concern that the focus could shift towards undocumented individuals for minor offenses rather than addressing significant criminal activity.

In reaction to the ongoing discussions surrounding the 287(g) proposal, the Lowcountry Immigration Coalition announced a planned march and protest for July 11th, aimed at opposing the reimplementation of the program. Protests are expected to amplify the voices of those who feel negatively impacted by such immigration enforcement collaborations.

As the debate unfolds, it remains clear that the community of Beaufort County is divided on the Sheriff’s proposal, and the outcomes of future community meetings may play a crucial role in shaping the conversation around immigration policy and public safety.