Bluffton, September 26, 2025
News Summary
A collaborative immigration operation by ICE and SLED in Bluffton resulted in five arrests related to identity fraud. The operation targeted individuals using fraudulent IDs to secure employment. The event occurred near Southern Marsh Nursery and highlighted the enforcement of immigration laws through the 287(g) program. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham praised local and federal cooperation in addressing immigration issues and protecting the integrity of employment practices.
Bluffton, SC – A joint immigration operation carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) resulted in multiple arrests for identity fraud on September 25, 2025. The operation, which took place in the morning near the Southern Marsh Nursery on May River Road, led to the apprehension of several individuals suspected of using fraudulent identification to obtain employment or evade detection by law enforcement.
During the operation, agents focused on the open area behind Southern Marsh Nursery, known to be utilized as a laydown yard for local landscapers, where many people were questioned. Officials reported that five individuals were arrested and subsequently booked into the Beaufort County Jail. The individuals taken into custody included:
- Jose Moreno-Romero
- Erick Alfons Clavel Gonzalez
- Francisco Ramirez Santiago
- Pablo Santiago Ramirez
- Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon
While the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) confirmed it did not participate directly in the operation, it did assist in managing traffic in the vicinity. On the same day, ICE agents were also noted to be active on Hilton Head Island, further indicating an expanded reach of the operation across the region.
Andrew Ahmann, the owner of Southern Marsh Nursery, stated that although he did not witness any arrests, he observed that many individuals were questioned by agents. The timing and coordination of the operation coincided with SLED’s recent agreement related to ICE’s 287(g) program. This program allows local law enforcement officers to receive training enabling them to enforce immigration laws. The partnership aims to strengthen cooperation between local and federal authorities in addressing immigration-related offenses.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham expressed his support for the collaborative efforts between Beaufort County law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement agencies. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the proper scope of the 287(g) program, reflecting a focus on accountability and adherence to legal processes in immigration enforcement.
This operation is part of a broader movement by ICE to enforce immigration-related laws and identify individuals who may be living or working in the U.S. illegally. The impact of these operations resonates not just through enforcement actions but also through policies aimed at protecting the integrity of employment practices and the legal workforce.
Background Context
The 287(g) program has drawn attention in recent years, particularly regarding its implications for local communities and law enforcement. Under this program, local officers may be trained and authorized to identify and detain individuals who are unlawfully present in the country. The decision to implement such operations often depends on local priorities concerning public safety, resources, and community relations.
Recent statistics indicate a sustained effort by ICE to focus on illegal employment practices amid ongoing discussions about immigration reform. The agency continues to prioritize operations that address fraudulent identification cases, emphasizing the necessity for legal compliance in the workforce.
FAQ Section
What was the date of the joint ICE and SLED operation?
The operation took place on September 25, 2025.
Where did the operation occur?
The operation occurred near the Southern Marsh Nursery on May River Road in Bluffton, SC.
How many individuals were arrested during the operation?
Five individuals were arrested and booked into the Beaufort County Jail.
What were the charges against the arrested individuals?
The charges included identity fraud to obtain employment or avoid detection by law enforcement.
Who were the individuals arrested?
The arrested individuals are Jose Moreno-Romero, Erick Alfons Clavel Gonzalez, Francisco Ramirez Santiago, Pablo Santiago Ramirez, and Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon.
What program allows local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws?
The 287(g) program allows local law enforcement to be trained to enforce immigration laws.
Key Features of the Operation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Operation | September 25, 2025 |
| Location | Southern Marsh Nursery, Bluffton, SC |
| Agencies Involved | U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) |
| Number of Arrests | Five individuals |
| Charges Filed | Identity fraud to obtain employment |
| Related Program | 287(g) Program |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Five Arrested in Bluffton for Identity Fraud
Five Arrested for Identity Fraud in Bluffton, SC
Beaufort County Enters 287(g) Immigration Enforcement Program
Senator Graham Supports Beaufort County’s Immigration Enforcement Partnership
Beaufort County Sheriff Signs Controversial Immigration Agreement
Lowcountry Public Schools Prepare for Academic Year
Community Voices Concerns Over 287(g) Immigration Program
Beaufort Honors Local Veterans for Their Service
Additional Resources
- WTOC: ICE Operation in Bluffton
- Wikipedia: Immigration enforcement in the United States
- WSAV: Multiple in Custody After ICE Operation
- Google Search: identity fraud
- Island Packet: ICE Operation Arrests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Identity Fraud
- WJCL: Sen. Graham Defends ICE Partnership
- Google News: immigration 287(g) program
- Post and Courier: Beaufort County ICE Partnership
- Google Scholar: immigration 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.
