Bluffton, September 26, 2025
News Summary
In a joint operation by SLED and ICE, five individuals were arrested in Bluffton, SC, on charges of identity fraud aimed at obtaining employment or evading law enforcement detection. The operation occurred behind Southern Marsh Nursery and involved a significant police presence. As authorities continue to enforce immigration laws through the 287(g) task force program, concerns regarding its impact on the local immigrant community are being raised.
Bluffton, SC: Five Arrested for Identity Fraud in Joint Operation
Five individuals were arrested in Bluffton, SC, on September 25, 2025, following a joint operation conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The individuals, who were booked into Beaufort County Jail, face charges of identity fraud to obtain employment or avoid detection by law enforcement.
The individuals arrested during the operation are:
– Jose Moreno-Romero
– Erick Alfons Clavel Gonzalez
– Francisco Ramirez Santiago
– Pablo Santiago Ramirez
– Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon
The operation took place behind Southern Marsh Nursery in the Pritchardsville area of Bluffton. Witnesses noted the presence of approximately 15 law enforcement vehicles and a drone, indicating a significant police presence. Individuals detained during the operation were observed being questioned by agents from both ICE and SLED.
While the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office confirmed its involvement in the operation, they clarified that sheriff’s deputies were present strictly for traffic management support. At this time, no further details about the nature of the operation or the total number of detainees have been provided.
This event coincides with SLED’s growing collaboration with ICE, particularly through the 287(g) task force program, which allows local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws. This initiative has been a point of contention in the community, raising questions and scrutiny regarding Sheriff P.J. Tanner’s decision to participate in the program.
Earlier in the year, SLED had publicized similar operations targeting immigration enforcement, which have heightened discussions surrounding local law enforcement’s role in immigration-related activities.
The focus of the recent operation on areas commonly used by local landscapers has drawn the attention of local immigration attorneys, emphasizing concerns regarding the implications of such enforcement actions on the immigrant community in Bluffton.
As authorities continue to navigate the balance between law enforcement and community relations, the ramifications of this operation will likely be a topic of ongoing discussion in the Bluffton area.
FAQ
What were the charges against the five individuals arrested in Bluffton, SC?
Who were the individuals arrested?
- Jose Moreno-Romero
- Erick Alfons Clavel Gonzalez
- Francisco Ramirez Santiago
- Pablo Santiago Ramirez
- Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon
When was the operation conducted?
Where did the operation occur?
What is the 287(g) task force program?
Key Features of the Operation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Operation | September 25, 2025 |
| Location | Southern Marsh Nursery, Bluffton, SC |
| Number of Arrests | 5 |
| Charges | Identity fraud to obtain employment or avoid detection by law enforcement |
| Law Enforcement Agencies Involved | ICE and SLED |
| 287(g) Program Participation | Yes, under local law enforcement agreement |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Probation Officer Charged with Assault and Misconduct in Beaufort
Chilean National Charged with Theft from Homeland Security Secretary
Additional Resources
- WTOC: ICE Operation in Bluffton
- Island Packet: Bluffton Arrests
- Post and Courier: Immigration Arrests in Beaufort County
- Island Packet: Local Crime News
- WJCL: Mail Theft and Check Fraud in Beaufort County
- Wikipedia: Immigration Enforcement in the United States
- Google Search: Beaufort County immigration arrests
- Google Scholar: SLED ICE 287(g) program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Law
- Google News: Bluffton SC operation
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.
