News Summary
Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner has signed a 287(g) immigration enforcement agreement with ICE, allowing local deputies to enforce immigration laws. The initiative has sparked concerns from community groups regarding public trust and the potential for racial profiling among immigrant populations. Despite some objections, Tanner maintains the program’s implementation will be manageable and has historical precedent in the county. Public consultations revealed significant community apprehension, highlighting the need for local law enforcement to address residents’ concerns effectively.
Beaufort County, SC – On July 29, 2025, Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner signed a controversial 287(g) immigration enforcement agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The agreement, which was approved by ICE on July 31, allows the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office to collaborate with federal authorities on immigration law enforcement.
Under the Task Force Model of the 287(g) program, the Sheriff’s Office will train two deputies to question individuals regarding their immigration status, arrest without a warrant, process immigration cases, draft related charges, and hold and transport individuals for ICE. The program is set to be implemented in the coming months following the hiring and training of these deputies.
While Sheriff Tanner believes the initiative represents progress, concerns have been raised by various community groups. The South Carolina chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) expressed disappointment, stating this agreement undermines public trust in local law enforcement and disregards substantial community opposition. Critics fear the implementation of this program could generate anxiety within immigrant populations, discouraging them from reporting crimes out of fear of deportation.
Public consultations were held in early July 2025, during which multiple attendees voiced their concerns regarding potential racial profiling and the enforcement tactics used by ICE. Many community members are apprehensive about how the program may impact their safety and willingness to engage with law enforcement.
Despite the backlash, Tanner acknowledged some public complaints, emphasizing that he does not anticipate significant issues arising from this partnership in Beaufort County. He stated the program would incur negligible costs, attributed mainly to the salaries of the deputies involved, while the federal government would cover training and equipment expenses.
Historically, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office had previously participated in similar 287(g) programs in 2008 and 2012, during which time Sheriff Tanner indicated there were few local complications related to those agreements. Presently, out of South Carolina’s 46 counties, 20 are engaged in the 287(g) program.
Furthermore, Sheriff Tanner insisted that mass immigration status checks would not be a practice upheld by the Sheriff’s Office. However, the promise of training may not fully alleviate fears regarding racial profiling and distrust within the community.
As the program gears up for implementation, local law enforcement will need to address the evolving concerns among residents to foster a sense of security and cooperation. The Sheriff’s Office’s actions in response to these community apprehensions may ultimately determine the effectiveness and acceptance of the program going forward.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Divided Over Sheriff’s Immigration Proposal
Community Voices Concerns Over 287(g) Immigration Program
Community Voices Concerns Over Proposed Immigration Program
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
South Carolina Community Opposes Federal Deportation Initiatives
Community Outcry in Beaufort Over Immigration Program
Community Concerns Rise Over 287(g) Immigration Proposal
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Beaufort County Sheriff Talks New ICE Agreement
- Wikipedia: 287(g) Program
- Post and Courier: Beaufort County ICE 287(g) Immigration
- Google Search: Beaufort County ICE 287(g)
- Island Packet: Local Crime News
- Google Scholar: 287(g) Program
- Island Packet: ICE Agreement Concerns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
