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South Carolina Expands 287(g) Program, List of Participating Sheriff's Offices Released

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 16:36 GMT by Fox Carolina
      Locales: South Carolina, UNITED STATES

Columbia, S.C. - January 30th, 2026 - A recent release from South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson's office has illuminated the extent of collaboration between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The list details 21 South Carolina Sheriff's Offices currently participating in the 287(g) program, a controversial initiative allowing state and local officers to enforce federal immigration laws.

The 287(g) program, named after Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, delegates immigration enforcement authority to state and local law enforcement agencies. Participating agencies receive training from ICE to identify individuals who may be in violation of federal immigration laws. This training enables officers to not only identify but also to process and detain these individuals, initiating deportation proceedings.

The list, made public earlier this week, includes Sheriff's Offices from across the state, representing a significant portion of South Carolina's counties. The participating agencies are: Anderson, Beaufort, Charleston, Chesterfield, Colleton, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Greenwood, Horry, Jasper, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lee, Lexington, McClellan, Orangeburg, Richland, Spartanburg, Sumter, and York. The inclusion of multiple agencies, particularly in rapidly growing areas, suggests a deliberate expansion of ICE's reach within the state.

The Debate Over 287(g)

The 287(g) program has long been a source of contention, sparking intense debate between proponents and critics. Supporters of the program argue that it's a necessary tool for resource allocation, freeing up ICE agents to focus on more serious criminal investigations. They contend that by empowering local officers to identify and detain individuals with immigration violations, the program enhances public safety and assists federal authorities in upholding immigration laws.

"These agreements allow us to leverage the resources of our dedicated Sheriff's Deputies to support federal immigration enforcement efforts," stated a spokesperson from the Attorney General's office. "It's a collaborative approach that strengthens border security and ensures those who violate immigration laws are held accountable."

However, civil rights groups and immigration advocates raise serious concerns about the program's potential for abuse. Critics argue that 287(g) agreements can lead to racial profiling, increased mistrust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, and the wrongful detention of legal residents. They point to instances where individuals were mistakenly identified as undocumented and subjected to deportation proceedings.

"The 287(g) program is inherently problematic," explains Maria Rodriguez, a staff attorney with the South Carolina Immigrant Advocacy Network. "It blurs the lines between local policing and federal immigration enforcement, creating a climate of fear within immigrant communities. This can discourage people from reporting crimes or cooperating with law enforcement, ultimately undermining public safety."

Transparency and Accountability Concerns

The Attorney General's recent release of the list is being hailed by transparency advocates as a positive step. Previously, information about 287(g) agreements was often difficult to obtain, leading to concerns about a lack of public oversight. However, critics argue that simply publishing a list isn't enough.

"Transparency is important, but it's not a substitute for accountability," Rodriguez contends. "We need robust oversight mechanisms to ensure that these agreements are implemented fairly and constitutionally. This includes collecting data on the number of individuals detained under 287(g), the reasons for their detention, and any complaints filed against participating officers."

Looking Ahead

As the debate over immigration policy continues at the national level, the role of 287(g) agreements in states like South Carolina is likely to remain a contentious issue. The Attorney General's office maintains that the program is a valuable tool for enhancing public safety and upholding immigration laws. However, civil rights groups will continue to advocate for greater transparency, accountability, and protection of immigrant rights.

The release of this list is anticipated to fuel further discussion within the state legislature regarding the appropriate level of collaboration between local and federal immigration authorities, and what safeguards are necessary to protect the civil liberties of all residents of South Carolina.