News Summary
Sheriff P.J. Tanner of Beaufort County has moved forward with the 287(g) immigration enforcement program, facing significant community opposition. Despite extensive discussions in public meetings regarding the financial implications and fears of racial profiling, the contract with ICE was signed and approved. The program allows local enforcement to inquire about immigration status under federal supervision. While some community members support the initiative, concerns linger about its impact on trust in law enforcement and potential costs to taxpayers.
Beaufort County, SC – Sheriff P.J. Tanner has proceeded with the controversial 287(g) immigration enforcement program despite strong opposition from the community. Following two public meetings held on July 8 and July 22, 2025, an application for participation in the program was approved on July 29. Tanner signed the contract, which was promptly approved by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency two days later.
The 287(g) program empowers local law enforcement officers to inquire about individuals’ immigration status and execute warrants associated with immigration breaches. Beaufort County has chosen to implement the program under the task force model, permitting local authorities to enforce limited immigration authority under the supervision of ICE.
During the public meetings, which drew significant attendance, discussions centered on the financial implications for taxpayers and concerns about the possibility of racial profiling. Community feedback highlighted the fear of mass immigration sweeps and ICE arrest quotas, raising questions about the impact on community trust in law enforcement. Although Tanner addressed these concerns, asserting that no mass identification inspections had previously occurred, uncertainty remains regarding how the department will manage individuals under temporary protective status or establish safeguards against profiling.
In South Carolina, about 20 of the 46 counties currently participate in the 287(g) program, alongside various municipal law enforcement agencies and the State Law Enforcement Division. Tanner previously established one of 18 ICE task forces from 2008 to 2012, describing the collaboration as successful. However, this initiative ended when the Obama administration abolished the task-force model due to rising concerns over civil rights and allegations of racial profiling. The 287(g) program was reinstated by the Trump administration in 2025.
Funding for the 287(g) training and equipment will largely be provided by the federal government, according to Tanner. He stated that one or two deputies would be trained for this program, and they would maintain their regular duties when not assigned to immigration-related tasks. The hiring of two retired deputies, who have prior experience in the program, is being considered, with starting salaries around $52,345.
Concerns about potential costs to local taxpayers were also prevalent during the community meetings. While Tanner assured that the financial burden would be minimal, several attendees expressed skepticism regarding the program’s viability and its economic implications. Mixed reactions characterized the community response, with some residents supporting Tanner’s approach while others voiced fears that the program could exacerbate division and erode trust within the community.
In addition, the South Carolina National Guard announced the activation of 40 service members to bolster ICE’s anti-immigration measures under a new Title 32 agreement. This move is intended to enhance enforcement capabilities in the region.
As the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office continues to finalize the contract with ICE, enforcement actions are expected to commence in the coming months. However, the path ahead remains fraught with uncertainty, as community leaders and organizations like the ACLU of South Carolina express disappointment over the decision to participate in the 287(g) program, highlighting concerns about the potential negative impact on public trust in law enforcement.
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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
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Beaufort County and ICE
- Wikipedia: 287(g) Program
- Island Packet: Local Crime News
- Google Search: Beaufort County ICE 287(g) Immigration
- WSAV: Beaufort County Sheriff Q&A Meeting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- WJCL: Sheriff Faces Backlash
- Google Scholar: Beaufort County ICE
- WSAV: Community Division on Enforcement
- Google News: Beaufort County ICE Enforcement
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.
