Key Takeaways
• Beaufort County proposes one specially trained deputy to work with ICE under a 287(g) agreement starting July 2025.
• The program targets jail inmates without legal immigration status, focusing on those with criminal records to improve public safety.
• Community concerns include civil rights, family separation, trust in police, and economic impacts on local immigrant-reliant businesses.
On July 8, 2025, Beaufort County officials and Sheriff P.J. Tanner met with local residents to discuss a proposed immigration program involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The meeting, held at the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Headquarters, aimed to answer questions and address concerns about how the program could affect the community. Sheriff Tanner explained that the plan would involve only one specially trained immigration deputy, focusing on people in the county without legal immigration status.
The proposal has sparked strong feelings across Beaufort County. Some residents support the idea, hoping it will improve public safety. Others worry about civil rights, the impact on families, and the trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. As the county considers this step, officials are working to keep the public informed and involved.
What Is the Proposed Immigration Program?
The immigration program under discussion would create a partnership between Beaufort County law enforcement and ICE. Programs like this, sometimes called “287(g) agreements,” allow local officers to help enforce federal immigration laws. In Beaufort County’s case, Sheriff P.J. Tanner said only one deputy would receive special training to work with ICE. This deputy would focus on identifying and detaining people who are in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status, especially those with criminal records.
Sheriff Tanner stressed that the program is not meant to target all immigrants. Instead, it aims to focus on people who are in the country illegally and may pose a risk to public safety. “We’re not going out and rounding up people,” Sheriff Tanner told the audience. “We’re focusing on those who break the law and are here illegally.”
Why Is Beaufort County Considering This Program Now?
Beaufort County, like many areas in the United States 🇺🇸, has seen debates over immigration enforcement. Some residents and officials believe that working with ICE will help keep the community safe by removing people who commit crimes and are not in the country legally. Others worry that such programs can lead to racial profiling, break up families, and make immigrants afraid to report crimes or cooperate with police.
County Council Chair Alice Howard and Council Members York Glover, Gerald Dawson, and David Bartholomew organized the July 8 meeting to give residents a chance to ask questions and share their opinions. The meeting showed that the county wants to be open about the program and listen to everyone’s concerns.
How Would the Program Work in Practice?
If approved, the program would start with just one trained immigration deputy. This deputy would work closely with ICE to:
- Identify people in the county jail who may be in the United States 🇺🇸 illegally
- Check their immigration status
- Hold them for ICE if they are found to be in the country without legal permission and have committed certain crimes
Sheriff Tanner explained that the program would not give local deputies the power to stop people on the street just to check their immigration status. The focus would be on people already in jail for other reasons. This approach is meant to limit the program’s reach and avoid targeting people who have not broken any laws besides immigration rules.
Community Concerns and Questions
Many residents at the meeting voiced concerns about how the immigration program could affect Beaufort County. Some of the main worries included:
- Civil Rights: People fear that the program could lead to racial profiling, where deputies might unfairly target people based on their appearance or language.
- Family Separation: There is concern that parents could be separated from their children if detained for immigration reasons.
- Community Trust: Some worry that immigrants, even those with legal status, might become afraid to call the police or report crimes if they fear being questioned about their immigration status.
- Impact on Local Businesses: Beaufort County has many businesses that rely on immigrant workers. Some business owners worry that the program could make it harder to find employees or hurt the local economy.
Sheriff Tanner tried to address these concerns by repeating that the program would be limited in scope. “We’re not looking to disrupt families or businesses,” he said. “Our goal is to focus on those who are here illegally and have committed crimes.”
Different Perspectives in the Community
The debate over the immigration program in Beaufort County reflects a larger national conversation. Across the United States 🇺🇸, communities are divided over how much local law enforcement should work with federal immigration authorities.
- Supporters say that programs like this help keep communities safe by removing people who break the law and are not in the country legally. They argue that it is important to enforce immigration laws and that local cooperation with ICE is necessary.
- Opponents worry that such programs can lead to discrimination, break up families, and make immigrants afraid to interact with police. They point to studies showing that trust between police and immigrant communities can suffer when local law enforcement gets involved in immigration enforcement.
Some residents at the meeting said they support the program because they want to feel safer in their neighborhoods. Others said they fear it will make people less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police, which could actually make the community less safe.
What Does the Law Say?
Programs like the one proposed in Beaufort County are allowed under federal law. Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act lets local law enforcement agencies sign agreements with ICE to help enforce immigration laws. These agreements require special training for local officers and set clear rules about what they can and cannot do.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security provides more information about these programs and their requirements on its official website. Local agencies must follow federal guidelines and respect the rights of everyone in the community.
How Will the Program Affect Immigrants in Beaufort County?
If the program goes forward, immigrants in Beaufort County—especially those without legal status—could face more risk of being detained and possibly deported if they are arrested for other crimes. However, because the program would involve only one trained deputy and focus on people already in jail, the impact may be smaller than in other places with larger programs.
Still, some immigrants may feel more afraid to interact with law enforcement, even if they have done nothing wrong. Community leaders and advocates say it is important for everyone to know their rights and for local officials to provide clear information about how the program will work.
What Steps Are Officials Taking to Address Concerns?
County officials have promised to keep the public informed and to listen to feedback as the program moves forward. The July 8 meeting was the first of what may be several public forums. Council Member York Glover encouraged residents to reach out with questions or concerns. He can be contacted at 843-812-2909 or by email at [email protected].
Sheriff Tanner said the sheriff’s office will provide updates and answer questions as the program develops. He also said that deputies will receive training to make sure they respect everyone’s rights and follow the law.
What Can Residents Do If They Have Concerns or Questions?
Residents who want more information or have concerns about the immigration program can:
- Contact Council Member York Glover at 843-812-2909 or [email protected]
- Attend future public meetings about the program
- Visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website for official information about 287(g) programs and how they work
Community groups and legal aid organizations may also offer help to immigrants who have questions about their rights or need legal advice.
What Are the Next Steps for Beaufort County?
The proposed immigration program is still in the early stages. County officials say they will consider public feedback before making a final decision. If the program is approved, the sheriff’s office will work with ICE to train the designated immigration deputy and set up procedures for identifying and detaining people who are in the United States 🇺🇸 illegally and have committed crimes.
Officials say they will continue to hold public meetings and provide updates as the program develops. They encourage everyone in Beaufort County to stay informed and to share their opinions.
What Do Experts Say About Programs Like This?
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, programs that involve local law enforcement in immigration enforcement can have both positive and negative effects. Supporters say they help remove dangerous criminals and make communities safer. Critics say they can lead to racial profiling, break up families, and make immigrants afraid to cooperate with police.
Research shows that trust between police and immigrant communities is important for public safety. When people are afraid to report crimes or serve as witnesses, it can make it harder for police to solve cases and keep everyone safe. That’s why many experts say it is important for local officials to be clear about how these programs work and to protect the rights of all residents.
How Have Similar Programs Worked in Other Places?
Other counties in the United States 🇺🇸 have tried similar programs. In some places, the programs have led to more people being detained and deported, especially those with criminal records. In other places, the programs have faced criticism for leading to racial profiling or making immigrants afraid to call the police.
Some counties have ended their agreements with ICE after hearing concerns from the community. Others have continued the programs but made changes to address civil rights and community trust.
What Should Immigrants in Beaufort County Know?
Immigrants in Beaufort County should know that:
- The proposed program would focus on people already in jail for other crimes, not on stopping people on the street.
- Everyone has rights, no matter their immigration status. This includes the right to remain silent and the right to speak to a lawyer.
- Local officials have promised to provide clear information and to listen to community concerns.
If you or someone you know has questions about immigration status or rights, it is a good idea to talk to a trusted legal aid group or immigration lawyer.
Conclusion: What Comes Next for Beaufort County?
Beaufort County’s proposed immigration program has started an important conversation about safety, fairness, and the rights of everyone in the community. Sheriff P.J. Tanner and county officials have promised to keep the program limited in scope and to focus only on people who are in the United States 🇺🇸 illegally and have committed crimes. They have also promised to listen to the community and to provide updates as the program develops.
As the county moves forward, it will be important for residents to stay involved, ask questions, and share their opinions. Officials say they will continue to hold public meetings and provide information to help everyone understand how the program will work.
For more details about 287(g) programs and how local law enforcement can work with ICE, you can visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official page.
By staying informed and involved, Beaufort County can work toward a solution that keeps everyone safe while respecting the rights and dignity of all residents.
Learn Today
287(g) agreement → A federal program allowing local officers trained to enforce immigration laws under ICE supervision.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
Detain → To hold someone in custody, especially for immigration or criminal law reasons.
Civil rights → Legal protections ensuring individuals are free from discrimination and unfair treatment.
Deportation → The legal process of removing a person from the U.S. for violating immigration laws.
This Article in a Nutshell
Beaufort County plans a limited immigration enforcement program with one trained deputy partnering with ICE, aiming to balance safety and community trust amid mixed public opinions and civil rights concerns.
— By VisaVerge.com
