BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. () — A federal immigration program is stirring debate in Beaufort County.
Beaufort County Sheriff, P.J. Tanner stated that the program could assist in identifying undocumented individuals with criminal backgrounds. However, some people are concerned it might result in racial profiling and deter immigrant communities from speaking out.
On Tuesday night, Sheriff Tanner, along with several council members, hosted a second public meeting. The purpose was to inform the community about the 287(g) program and discuss the department’s collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“If you join this program, and you detain someone, does it allow you to conduct a nationwide check on this individual to find out their background?” a community member inquired, to which Sheriff Tanner replied, “Absolutely.”
That community member questioned back, “Then why aren’t we doing it?”
Tanner responded, “Well, that’s what we’re going to do.”
It was a statement that half the room, packed with more than 100 people, agreed with, and the other half feared.
“Let’s say members of your community, they are sent to foreign countries that they have no connection to,” said one community member who was met with laughter from several people in the room. “Do you care about that sir? And what about if your neighbors were sent to detention facilities, 70 prisoners to a cell surrounded by alligators?”
The community member continued, “This is real for all of you that are laughing. Look it up. This is real.”
Many voiced concern that the program would target all immigrants and that if adopted in the county, it would instill fear in their communities.
“If they call in a crime, can this officer that is working under the 287(g) thing, look up the person who’s called the crime in, can they look up their immigration status?” another community member said.
Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office attorney, Daniel Gourley replied for Sheriff Tanner, “Yes ma’am.”
That response stirred even more concern, with some saying it’s unfair, and would lead to more crimes going unreported.
Tanner said the program will only apply to undocumented people with a criminal history and would involve just two trained deputies.
In the original public meeting, Tanner said he would only need one trained deputy.
Tanner also said it gives the sheriff’s office a seat at the table with federal authorities.
“It’s important that we’re a part of the program. If we just threw our hands up and looked at it like most sanctuary cities, then you know what, they’re going to do whatever the hell they want to do, and there’s nothing we can do about it,” said Tanner.
Many in the room remained skeptical unsure whether the sheriff would stick to what he’s promising.
“Well, I’ve got to be frank with you, sheriff. That sounds like a lot of control that you have. You’re going to be giving input into what you will, and you won’t do,” said a community member.
But Tanner told the public the program is likely coming soon.
“287 G Taskforce will be a part of Beaufort County law enforcement probably in the next couple of months, and we’re looking forward to the partnership.”
