Bluffton, September 26, 2025
News Summary
A coordinated operation by ICE and SLED led to the arrest of five individuals in Bluffton, SC, for identity fraud related to employment. The arrests occurred outside Southern Marsh Nursery, and the operation was part of ongoing efforts to address identity fraud within the community. Witnesses reported a heavy law enforcement presence and concerns about the implications of cooperation between local and federal authorities.
Bluffton, SC – A coordinated operation involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) led to the arrest of five individuals accused of identity fraud to obtain employment or avoid detection by law enforcement. The operation took place outside the Southern Marsh Nursery on Thursday morning.
During the operation, agents from both agencies were present, with Beaufort County Sheriff’s deputies directing traffic for the fleet of vehicles used by ICE agents. The five individuals arrested were identified as Jose Moreno-Romero, Erick Alfons Clavel Gonzalez, Francisco Ramirez Santiago, Pablo Santiago Ramirez, and Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon. They were subsequently booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center. However, it remains unclear how many additional individuals may have been detained during the operation.
The focus of the operation was primarily in an area behind the nursery that serves as a “laydown yard” for local landscapers. While Andrew Ahmann, the owner of Southern Marsh Nursery, indicated that numerous people were questioned by the agents, he did not personally witness any arrests in the immediate vicinity of his establishment.
In addition to the activity at the nursery, ICE agents were later observed operating on Hilton Head Island, particularly near the entrance to Sea Pines resort. This operation is a continuation of SLED’s commitment to participate in ICE’s 287(g) program, which provides training for state police in the enforcement of immigration laws.
Local immigration attorney Aimee Deverall confirmed the occurrence of the agents’ activities in the area. Moreover, witnesses highlighted a significant law enforcement presence, noting approximately 15 vehicles and the use of drones overhead during the operation. The heavy police activity raised concerns among local residents regarding the collaboration between federal immigration authorities and state law enforcement.
The arrests made during this operation underscore the ongoing efforts by federal and state agencies to address identity fraud, particularly concerning employment practices. As community reactions unfold, discussions related to the implications of such operations and the partnerships formed between local law enforcement and immigration enforcement agencies are likely to continue.
Background Context
This operation in Bluffton reflects broader national trends concerning immigration enforcement. Over the past few years, local law enforcement agencies across the United States have increasingly collaborated with federal immigration authorities to bolster immigration laws and policies. The ICE’s 287(g) program, in particular, has gained traction among various state agencies looking to enhance their ability to enforce federal immigration laws.
FAQs
What led to the arrests in Bluffton, SC?
The operation was a joint effort between ICE and SLED targeting identity fraud related to employment.
Who were the individuals arrested?
The individuals arrested include Jose Moreno-Romero, Erick Alfons Clavel Gonzalez, Francisco Ramirez Santiago, Pablo Santiago Ramirez, and Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon.
What charges are the individuals facing?
All five arrested individuals face charges of identity fraud to obtain employment or avoid detection by law enforcement.
Where were the arrests made?
The arrests were made outside Southern Marsh Nursery in Bluffton, SC, with additional ICE activity later observed on Hilton Head Island.
Why is this operation significant?
The operation highlights the collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, aiming to address identity fraud issues.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Agencies Involved | U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) |
| Location | Southern Marsh Nursery, Bluffton, SC |
| Number of Arrests | Five individuals |
| Charges | Identity fraud to obtain employment or avoid detection by law enforcement |
| Operation Context | Part of ICE’s 287(g) program to train state officers in immigration law enforcement |
| Public Reaction | Concerns regarding local law enforcement’s partnership with federal immigration authorities |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Five Arrested for Identity Fraud in Bluffton, SC
Additional Resources
- WTOC: ICE Operation in Bluffton
- WSAV: Multiple in Custody After ICE Operation
- Post and Courier: SLED Immigration Arrests
- NBC News: ICE Raids in Cities
- Google Search: ICE operation Bluffton
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.
