News Summary
Residents of Bluffton gathered at the local library to express their dissent regarding Sheriff P.J. Tanner’s decision to reinstate the 287(g) immigration enforcement program. Many community members raised concerns about the program’s costs, its impact on public safety, and the effectiveness of the collaboration with ICE. Sheriff Tanner defended his choice, highlighting federal funding as a buffer for expenses. The tensions revealed a divide in community opinions, prompting a follow-up public meeting scheduled for July to further discuss the implications of the program.
Bluffton – Hundreds of residents gathered at the Bluffton Branch Library to voice their concerns to Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner about his recent decision to reenroll in the 287(g) immigration enforcement program. This program allows local law enforcement to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enforce federal immigration laws. The public hearing highlighted significant opposition from community members who questioned the implications of this collaboration.
Critics pointed to potential costs associated with the program and its impact on the daily operations of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. They raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of the program, citing a noticeable drop in violent crime in the area after the county exited the program in 2013. During the engagement, residents expressed skepticism about the claimed necessity for its reestablishment, referencing statistical data that showed a 30% decrease in violent crime post-2013 compared to a 10% decrease while the program was active in 2010.
Despite the pushback from the community, Sheriff Tanner defended the decision to reinstate the program, asserting that any expenses would be subsidized by federal funding and that routine law enforcement duties would remain unaffected. He emphasized that his motivation stemmed from a commitment to public safety rather than political considerations, attempting to reassure the audience of the program’s focus on protecting the community.
Public attendees questioned Tanner’s assertions, suggesting that if public safety were genuinely at risk, more substantial evidence should be provided to justify the program’s revival. Specific concerns centered on how the program could contribute to community relations and the overall effectiveness of local law enforcement strategies, suggesting a disconnect between the data and the narrative presented by local authorities.
In a definitive statement regarding the future of the program, Sheriff Tanner indicated that a new 287(g) program “will be implemented in Beaufort County, likely within the next few months,” regardless of the ongoing public dissent. The determination to move forward has highlighted a split in community opinions concerning immigration enforcement and the role of local law enforcement in such matters.
As of this year, over 700 law enforcement agencies across the United States actively participate in the 287(g) initiative. Tanner’s office has displayed continuous interest in collaborating with ICE, as evidenced by public records showing communication with the federal agency as recently as January. The Beaufort County detention center has been fulfilling requests from ICE to honor detainers, holding individuals at their request since 2012, even in the absence of a formal 287(g) agreement.
Statistics reveal that in May alone, the Beaufort County detention center detained 14 individuals under ICE holds, with six being subsequently released to ICE agents. The process begins with fingerprinting and checking immigration status during booking. If ICE issues a detainer request, the local jail has a designated 48-hour window to hold the individual in custody after local charges are resolved, which raises additional concerns about due process among critics.
Looking ahead, Tanner aims to establish a more robust task force agreement with ICE that would empower local deputies to detain individuals solely for immigration violations, independent of other criminal activities. This expansion of authority has occurred under the Trump administration, as the number of agencies involved in the program surged from 135 to exceeding 800 across the nation, prompting ongoing discussions about the implications for community policing and immigration practices.
In response to the community’s concerns and ongoing contention regarding the 287(g) program, a follow-up public meeting with Sheriff Tanner has been scheduled for July 22 at the Bluffton branch public library. The mixed feelings about local law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement suggest that the dialogue will continue as the plan unfolds.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Community Outcry in Beaufort Over Immigration Program
Local Activists Defend Right to Protest in Beaufort
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
- WSAV: Beaufort County Residents Split on Immigration Enforcement Program
- Wikipedia: 287(g) Program
- WJCL: Community Divided Over 287(g) Program Return in Beaufort County
- Google Search: 287(g) Program Beaufort County
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Sheriff Addresses Concerns Over Proposed Immigration Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration and Nationality Act
- WTOC: Beaufort County Council Members Invite Community Meeting Over ICE 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.
