News Summary
Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner faced significant community backlash during a public meeting regarding the potential rejoining of the 287(g) immigration enforcement program. Around 150 attendees participated in person, while nearly 1,000 joined online to express concerns about racial profiling and trust issues between law enforcement and immigrant communities. While Sheriff Tanner defended the program as a safety measure, community members, including advocates and attorneys, highlighted the potential dangers and called for a reevaluation of the application process.
Beaufort, SC – Community Outcry as Sheriff Holds Public Meeting on Immigration Program
Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner faced intense scrutiny during a public meeting aimed at addressing community concerns regarding his department’s potential rejoining of the 287(g) immigration enforcement program. The meeting attracted approximately 150 in-person attendees, with nearly 1,000 joining virtually, showcasing significant community interest in the topic.
During the hour-long meeting, Sheriff Tanner sought to explain his department’s intentions and respond to public concerns surrounding the 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to assist in the enforcement of federal immigration laws. The program has been a source of contention due to fears of racial profiling and the erosion of trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
Background on the 287(g) Program
The 287(g) program has seen fluctuating participation among local law enforcement agencies across the United States. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office previously participated in the program from 2008 to 2012 and applied in February to rejoin. This application is currently under review by federal authorities, with no decision made as of yet.
Community members, including immigration attorneys, small business owners, and civil liberties advocates, expressed their apprehensions during the meeting. Many voiced concerns that the program could deter victims of crime from reporting incidents out of fear of immigration repercussions. Attendees highlighted personal stories and past experiences to underline the human impact of such policies.
Community Voices and Concerns
Concerns were echoed by an immigration attorney who urged Sheriff Tanner to withdraw his application for the program, citing her clients’ fears of reporting crimes. Another local advocate shared a troubling personal story about a family member who was unjustly detained during previous program implementation, stressing the critical responsibility law enforcement has to protect all community members uniformly.
Despite these concerns from the community, Sheriff Tanner defended the 287(g) program as an essential tool for enhancing public safety. He argued that participation in the program would enable his department to gain access to vital federal intelligence and resources, which can lead to improved safety outcomes. Tanner rejected the notion that the program would undermine trust between law enforcement and immigrant populations.
Concerns Amidst Support
Potential issues highlighted during discussions included the risk of racial profiling, human rights violations, and the financial implications of program participation. The sheriff indicated that, if approved, only one deputy might be needed to gather the desired intelligence from the program.
Recent developments indicate that the 287(g) program has expanded under the Trump administration, with a notable rise in agreements between the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and local law enforcement agencies across various states, sparking nationwide debates on the ramifications of such enforcement strategies.
Looking Ahead
Although no immediate decisions were made regarding the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office’s participation in the 287(g) program, Sheriff Tanner acknowledged the need for continued dialogue, announcing plans for more public meetings to address the community’s concerns. Additionally, the Lowcountry Immigration Coalition is organizing a protest against the proposed rejoining of the program, highlighting ongoing tensions and differing viewpoints within the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Outrage Over Sheriff Tanner’s Immigration Proposal
Community Concerns Rise Over 287(g) Immigration Proposal
Beaufort Sheriff Hosts Public Meeting on Immigration Concerns
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Community Outcry as Sheriff Holds Public Meeting on Immigration Program
- Google Search: 287(g) immigration enforcement program
- WTOC: Beaufort Co. Sheriff Addresses Concerns Over Proposed Immigration Program
- Wikipedia: Immigration Enforcement
- ABC News 4: SC Counties Urged to Join 287(g) Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 287(g) program
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.
