News Summary
Residents of Beaufort County expressed strong opposition to Sheriff P.J. Tanner’s proposal to re-enroll in the federal 287(g) program, allowing local enforcement of immigration laws. At a heated public meeting, concerns were raised about potential discrimination, racial profiling, and infringement of rights within immigrant communities. Despite the backlash, Sheriff Tanner defended the program as a means to enhance public safety while critics worried about damaging community relations. The sheriff has yet to receive federal approval for re-enrollment amidst ongoing discussions.
Beaufort County residents expressed significant outrage over Sheriff P.J. Tanner’s proposal to re-enroll in the federal 287(g) program, which enables local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws. During a heated public meeting held on July 8, 2025, residents voiced their concerns, with many fearing the negative repercussions of rejoining the program, citing potential discrimination and human rights violations.
The meeting was attended by a large crowd, reaching capacity limits set by the fire marshal, leading some residents to listen to a live feed outside the venue. The high turnout reflected the community’s strong feelings about the proposal. Among those present, many argued that this initiative could create a climate of fear and mistrust, particularly within immigrant communities.
Critics of the 287(g) program articulated fears that it could exacerbate racial profiling and unjust detentions, as individuals might be detained based solely on their immigration status during routine police encounters. Concerns were also raised that such practices would infringe upon individuals’ Fourth Amendment rights, which protect against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Despite the opposition, Sheriff Tanner defended the 287(g) program, asserting it as crucial for public safety. He noted that re-enrollment would grant his department access to federal databases, thereby enhancing operational capabilities in tackling crime. Tanner highlighted that the local sheriff’s office has previously participated in the program and intends to adopt the “task force” model, which allows deputies to act on immigration violations more proactively.
While some community members support the sheriff’s view on the importance of public safety, local officials and immigrant advocates have voiced strong concerns about the broader implications of reinstating the program. They worry that it could damage community relations and hinder collaboration between law enforcement and the community, ultimately undermining public safety.
Furthermore, various residents remarked on the need for the meeting to be hosted in a larger venue to accommodate the crowd, promoting inclusivity. Community member Caroline Bucardo noted that doing so would have allowed for greater participation from residents who wished to voice their opinions against the measure.
The 287(g) program was first introduced in 1996 and was notably revived under the Trump administration, which emphasized enhanced immigration enforcement throughout the United States. Sheriff Tanner has indicated an intention to move forward with re-enrollment, even in the face of public pushback, stating that his stance remains unchanged regardless of the community’s sentiments expressed during the meeting.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also criticized the sheriff for not sufficiently addressing the concerns raised by the community during the meeting. Many residents emphasized that the program could make law-abiding individuals vulnerable to deportation, amplifying fears within the immigrant population in Beaufort County.
As of now, Sheriff Tanner has yet to receive approval from the federal government to rejoin the 287(g) program. He has been in ongoing communication with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding the proposal, but no decision has been finalized. The outcome of this initiative remains uncertain as the sheriff continues to weigh the community’s feedback against his vision for local law enforcement and public safety.
The strong response to Sheriff Tanner’s proposal illustrates the profound impact that immigration policies have on local communities, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the implications such initiatives may have on trust, safety, and cohesion among residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Concerns Rise Over 287(g) Immigration Proposal
Beaufort Sheriff Hosts Public Meeting on Immigration Concerns
Community Protests Against Trump Administration Policies
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Sheriff Proposal
- Wikipedia: 287(g) Program
- WJCL: Sheriff Faces Backlash
- Google Search: Beaufort County immigration task force
- Post and Courier: Sheriff Tanner on ICE Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- WSAV: Locals Reject Immigration Task Force
- Google Scholar: 287(g) program impact
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.
