News Summary
Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner will hold a public meeting to address community concerns about the 287(g) program, allowing local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws. Co-hosted by members of the local council, the meeting will provide residents with the opportunity to voice their opinions and ask questions. Sheriff Tanner has applied to create a local task force under this program, which has faced both support and criticism regarding its impact on the community and policing practices.
Beaufort – Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner will host a public meeting on July 8, 2025, at 5 p.m., at the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, located at 1501 Bay Street. The meeting will be a Q&A session aimed at addressing community concerns regarding the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its 287(g) program. This initiative allows local law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration laws.
The meeting will be co-hosted by members of the Beaufort County Council, including Chair Alice Howard and district members York Glover, Gerald Dawson, and David Bartholomew. Residents will have the opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions about the local implications of the 287(g) program.
In February, Sheriff Tanner applied to create a local task force with ICE under the 287(g) program. This program enables local law enforcement to actively enforce immigration laws, but as of July 3, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has not been listed among agencies pending approval for the program. Although the application process is lengthy, Tanner is optimistic about receiving a decision by the end of the year.
Understanding the 287(g) Program
The 287(g) program consists of three models: task force, jail enforcement, and warrant service officer. Under the task force model, local officers can inquire about an individual’s immigration status and detain individuals for potential deportation. In contrast, the jail enforcement model is more focused on identifying and processing individuals who have already been arrested, while the warrant service officer program enables local officers to execute ICE warrants.
Controversy Surrounding the Program
Despite its enforcement capabilities, the 287(g) program has been the subject of significant criticism. Various community members and civil rights organizations argue that it encourages racial profiling and undermines trust in local law enforcement. Concerns have been raised that the program creates anxiety within immigrant communities, discouraging them from reporting crimes.
Proponents, on the other hand, contend that the program helps facilitate collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement in enforcing immigration laws. Since the revival of the task force model in 2017 during the Trump administration, the number of 287(g) agreements has rapidly expanded, increasing from 135 in January to 754 as of July 3.
Previous Participation and Local Impact
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office previously participated in the 287(g) task force for approximately four years before its operations were scaled back. Sheriff Tanner had attempted to reapply for the program in early 2017 but did not receive confirmation for a contract. Previously, policing in the area focused primarily on high-level crime offenders who were undocumented, rather than conducting widespread checks on immigration status.
In South Carolina, 21 law enforcement agencies have embraced the 287(g) program, including sheriff’s and police departments. Community leaders and activists have voiced strong opposition to this program, arguing that it misallocates local law enforcement resources and disproportionately affects minority communities.
Advocacy and Community Awareness
As the public meeting approaches, some local leaders are advocating for civil rights and urging Latino residents to become informed about their rights in relation to immigration actions. Community engagement is seen as critical for ensuring that concerns can be expressed and addressed effectively.
As the date draws nearer, the outcome of the meeting and the future of the 287(g) program in Beaufort County remain uncertain, but community involvement and dialogue are positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the local approach to immigration enforcement.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Local Crime News
- Wikipedia: 287(g) Program
- Post and Courier: ICE Immigration Enforcement Program
- Google Search: 287(g) program
- Live 5 News: Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and ICE
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Law
- ABC News 4: SC Counties Urged to Join 287(g) Program
- Google News: 287(g) Immigration
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.
