Proposed law mandates ICE partnerships for all South Carolina sheriffs
FILE Photo. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
(WCIV) — A proposed South Carolina law would mandate every sheriff’s office operating a correctional facility to enter a written agreement with ICE to help enforce federal immigration laws.
The measure, if approved, will require sheriffs to participate in programs such as the federal 287(g) initiative, which authorizes ICE to delegate state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions under ICE’s direction and oversight. These agreements would authorize local officers to assist ICE in identifying and detaining individuals suspected of being in the country illegally.
Under the proposed law, Sheriff’s offices that fail to comply could face administrative penalties, including internal oversight reviews, additional reporting obligations, and suspension of grants administered by the Department of Public Safety.
The bill also directs the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to provide immigration enforcement training to agencies that sign agreements or show good faith efforts to do so.
The proposal comes amid a growing national debate and public outcry against federal immigration enforcement programs.
If approved by lawmakers and signed by the governor, the law would take effect immediately.
In the Midlands, the Lexington, Newberry, and Kershaw counties are already participating in the 287-g program.
