Key Takeaways
• South Carolina expanded Section 287(g) Agreements from 3 to 15 counties as of May 28, 2025.
• Bill H. 3936 proposes a $500 reward for reporting undocumented immigrants, progressing through legislature.
• No sanctuary cities exist; local police must cooperate fully with ICE under new state directives.
South Carolina has taken a clear position on immigration enforcement in 2025, with recent changes affecting both undocumented immigrants and the broader community. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, when these changes take effect, what actions are required, and what these developments mean for anyone with pending immigration concerns in the state. The focus is on South Carolina’s approach to sanctuary cities, the expansion of Section 287(g) Agreements, new state legislation, and the practical implications for immigrants and their families.
Summary of What Changed
As of July 8, 2025, South Carolina does not have any sanctuary cities. Instead, the state has moved in the opposite direction, increasing cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. The most significant changes include:
- A sharp rise in the number of Section 287(g) Agreements, which allow local police to help enforce federal immigration laws.
- New state bills that push local police and sheriffs to work more closely with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- The creation of a reward fund for residents who report undocumented immigrants.
- Strong encouragement from the state’s Attorney General for local law enforcement to focus resources on immigration enforcement.
These changes reflect a broader national trend, but South Carolina’s actions are especially notable for their speed and scope.
Who Is Affected
The new policies and laws affect several groups:
- Undocumented immigrants: Increased risk of detention and deportation, especially in areas with active Section 287(g) Agreements.
- Immigrant families: Greater fear and uncertainty, especially for mixed-status families (where some members are citizens or legal residents and others are not).
- Local law enforcement agencies: New requirements to participate in federal immigration enforcement programs.
- Community members: Anyone who interacts with law enforcement, schools, or public services may be affected by changes in trust and cooperation.
Effective Dates
- The expansion of Section 287(g) Agreements took effect as of May 28, 2025.
- Bill H. 3936 (Illegal Immigration Information Reward Fund) was introduced on February 6, 2025, and is moving through the legislative process.
- Bill H. 3030 (mandatory participation in Section 287(g)) was introduced on January 14, 2025, and is also under consideration.
- The Attorney General’s directive to sheriffs was issued on February 4, 2025.
While some changes are already in effect, others depend on the passage of pending legislation. However, the overall direction is clear: South Carolina is increasing its cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Required Actions
For those living, working, or studying in South Carolina, it is important to understand the new requirements and how they may affect daily life:
- Undocumented immigrants and their families should seek legal advice and stay informed about their rights. Know Your Rights training is available through organizations like the ACLU of South Carolina.
- Community members should be aware that reporting undocumented immigrants could now result in a financial reward if Bill H. 3936 passes.
- Law enforcement agencies must prepare to join or expand their participation in Section 287(g) Agreements if Bill H. 3030 becomes law.
- Schools and educators should continue to protect student privacy and limit ICE access to school property, as required by federal law.
Implications for Pending Applications
If you have a pending immigration application or are considering applying for any immigration benefit in South Carolina, these changes may affect your situation:
- Increased risk of detention: With more local police working with ICE, there is a higher chance of being detained during routine stops or encounters.
- No sanctuary protections: Unlike in sanctuary cities, South Carolina does not have policies that limit cooperation with ICE. This means local police can and often will share information with federal authorities.
- Potential delays or complications: If you are detained or placed in removal proceedings, your immigration application could be delayed or denied.
- Community support: It is more important than ever to connect with local advocacy groups, legal aid organizations, and trusted community resources.
Detailed Overview of Key Changes
1. Section 287(g) Agreements in South Carolina
Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act allows local law enforcement agencies to enter into formal agreements with ICE. These agreements let local officers perform certain immigration enforcement duties, such as checking the immigration status of people they arrest and starting deportation proceedings.
- Expansion in 2025: As of May 28, 2025, the number of Section 287(g) Agreements in South Carolina jumped from 3 to 15. This means more counties and cities now have police officers trained and authorized to enforce federal immigration laws.
- What this means for immigrants: If you are stopped or arrested by local police in a participating area, your information may be shared with ICE, and you could be detained for immigration reasons even if you are not charged with a crime.
- National trend: This increase in Section 287(g) Agreements is part of a broader move across the United States 🇺🇸 to involve local police more deeply in immigration enforcement.
For more information about Section 287(g) Agreements, you can visit the official ICE 287(g) Program page.
2. New State Legislation
Two key bills introduced in 2025 show South Carolina’s commitment to strict immigration enforcement:
- Bill H. 3936: This bill would create the Illegal Immigration Information Reward Fund. If passed, it would pay a $500 reward to any resident who provides information leading to the arrest and deportation of an undocumented immigrant in South Carolina.
- Impact: This could encourage more people to report suspected undocumented immigrants, increasing fear and mistrust in immigrant communities.
- Status: As of July 2025, the bill is still moving through the legislative process.
- Bill H. 3030: This bill would require every county and city police department in South Carolina to join at least one Section 287(g) Agreement.
- Impact: This would make cooperation with ICE mandatory for all local law enforcement agencies, leaving no room for local discretion.
- Status: The bill is under consideration but has strong support from state leaders.
You can track the progress of these bills on the South Carolina General Assembly website.
3. Attorney General’s Directive
On February 4, 2025, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson called on sheriffs and police chiefs to devote more local resources to immigration enforcement. This directive aligns with the state’s broader push to support federal immigration laws and signals that state leaders expect local law enforcement to play an active role.
- Practical effect: Police and sheriffs may increase traffic stops, workplace visits, and other actions aimed at identifying undocumented immigrants.
- Community response: Some local officials have raised concerns about the cost and impact on public safety, but the Attorney General’s position remains firm.
4. No Sanctuary Cities in South Carolina
Unlike some states and cities that have adopted “sanctuary” policies to limit cooperation with ICE, South Carolina has no such protections. In fact, state law and policy now require or strongly encourage local police to work with federal immigration authorities.
- What is a sanctuary city?: A sanctuary city is a city that has policies to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, often to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation for minor offenses.
- South Carolina’s stance: The state has taken steps to prevent any city or county from adopting sanctuary policies. This means that undocumented immigrants in South Carolina do not have the same protections as those in sanctuary cities elsewhere in the United States 🇺🇸.
5. Protections and Resources for Undocumented Immigrants
While South Carolina does not offer sanctuary protections, some basic rights and resources remain:
- Education: All children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to attend public schools in South Carolina. Schools are advised to protect student privacy and limit ICE access to school grounds.
- Know Your Rights training: The ACLU of South Carolina and other groups offer training sessions to help immigrants understand their rights during encounters with law enforcement or ICE.
- Legal assistance: Nonprofit organizations and legal aid groups can help immigrants understand their options and prepare for possible enforcement actions.
6. Community and Expert Perspectives
- Civil rights concerns: The ACLU of South Carolina and other advocacy groups warn that increased cooperation between local police and ICE can erode trust in law enforcement. When immigrants fear that any contact with police could lead to deportation, they may be less likely to report crimes or cooperate with investigations, making communities less safe.
- Law enforcement challenges: Some police chiefs and sheriffs argue that immigration enforcement is not their main job and that it can take resources away from fighting crime. They also worry about legal risks if officers make mistakes in enforcing federal immigration laws.
- State government position: State leaders, including the Attorney General, believe that strict enforcement is necessary to uphold the law and protect public safety.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these debates are playing out across the United States 🇺🇸, but South Carolina is among the states moving most aggressively to involve local police in immigration enforcement.
7. What This Means for Pending Immigration Applications
If you or a family member have a pending immigration application—such as for a green card, asylum, or work permit—these changes could affect your case:
- Increased risk of detention: With more local police working with ICE, there is a higher chance of being detained during routine stops or encounters, which could interrupt your application process.
- No local protections: Unlike in sanctuary cities, South Carolina does not have policies to shield you from ICE if you are stopped or arrested.
- Legal help is critical: If you are detained, you may need to act quickly to protect your rights and continue your application. Contact a qualified immigration attorney or legal aid group as soon as possible.
- Stay informed: Laws and policies can change quickly. Check official sources, such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, for updates on your specific application type.
8. Immediate Next Steps for Immigrants and Families
- Know your rights: Attend a Know Your Rights training or review materials from trusted organizations.
- Prepare a safety plan: Make sure your family knows what to do if someone is detained. Keep important documents in a safe place and have contact information for a lawyer or legal aid group.
- Stay connected: Join local community groups or advocacy organizations that can provide support and up-to-date information.
- Monitor legislative changes: Watch for updates on the progress of Bills H. 3936 and H. 3030, as well as any new directives from state officials.
9. Where to Find Help and More Information
- ACLU of South Carolina: Offers Know Your Rights training and legal resources for immigrants.
- South Carolina General Assembly: Provides updates on state legislation related to immigration.
- USCIS: Official source for immigration forms, application status, and policy updates.
- ICE 287(g) Program: Details on which local agencies participate in immigration enforcement.
Conclusion and Practical Guidance
South Carolina’s approach to immigration in 2025 is clear: the state is increasing cooperation with federal authorities and making it harder for undocumented immigrants to avoid detection and deportation. There are no sanctuary cities, and new laws and policies are pushing local police to work more closely with ICE through Section 287(g) Agreements.
For immigrants and their families, this means greater risk and uncertainty. It is important to know your rights, seek legal help, and stay informed about changes in the law. Community support and preparation can make a difference, especially in a state where local protections are limited.
If you have a pending immigration application, be aware that increased enforcement could affect your case. Take steps now to protect yourself and your family, and use official resources to stay updated on your rights and options.
For the most current information on immigration policies and enforcement in South Carolina, visit the South Carolina General Assembly website or trusted organizations like the ACLU of South Carolina. Staying informed and prepared is the best way to face the challenges ahead in this changing environment.
Learn Today
Section 287(g) Agreements → Formal contracts allowing local police to enforce federal immigration laws authorized by ICE.
Sanctuary City → A city that limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
Bill H. 3936 → Proposed state law creating a reward fund for residents reporting undocumented immigrants to authorities.
Attorney General Directive → Official instruction encouraging local law enforcement to prioritize immigration enforcement activities.
Undocumented Immigrant → A person residing in the U.S. without legal authorization or proper immigration status.
This Article in a Nutshell
South Carolina aggressively enhances immigration enforcement in 2025, expanding local police roles via 287(g) Agreements. No sanctuary cities exist. New bills encourage public reporting of undocumented immigrants, with financial incentives under review. Immigrants face higher detention risk; legal help and community support are essential amid these rapid policy changes.
— By VisaVerge.com
