Key Takeaways
• Beaufort County continues 287(g) program partnership with ICE as of July 8, 2025, despite community opposition.
• Community fears include racial profiling, family separation, and lost trust in law enforcement due to 287(g).
• Some officials support 287(g) for crime prevention, but experts report limited crime impact and trust issues.
On July 8, 2025, Beaufort County officials faced a packed room at the Sheriff’s Headquarters, where residents voiced strong opposition to the county’s ongoing partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program. The meeting, called by Council Chair Alice Howard and council members York Glover, Gerald Dawson, and David Bartholomew, was a direct response to growing public concern about how this federal-local partnership affects immigrant families and community trust.
Beaufort County’s 287(g) Partnership: What’s Happening Now

Beaufort County remains an active participant in the ICE 287(g) program as of July 2025. This program allows certain local law enforcement officers to act with federal immigration powers after receiving special ICE training. The most recent Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between ICE and Beaufort County is still in effect, and there has been no public record of the county ending or suspending the agreement.
At the July 8 meeting, Sheriff P.J. Tanner answered questions from residents, many of whom expressed fear and frustration. Local advocacy groups and immigrant families described the partnership as a “slap in the face,” saying it leads to racial profiling, family separation, and a breakdown in trust between law enforcement and the community.
How the 287(g) Program Works in Beaufort County
The 287(g) program is a federal initiative that lets ICE partner with local law enforcement agencies. Here’s how it works in Beaufort County:
- Training and Certification: Local deputies receive special training from ICE. This training covers immigration law, how to identify people who may be in the country without permission, and how to process immigration paperwork.
- Screening During Arrests: When deputies arrest someone for another offense, they can check the person’s immigration status.
- ICE Detainers and Removal: If deputies suspect someone is undocumented, they can place an ICE detainer on that person. This means the person can be held for ICE to pick up and start removal (deportation) proceedings.
The program is designed to let local officers help enforce federal immigration laws, but only under ICE’s supervision.
Why Are People in Beaufort County Concerned?
Many residents and advocacy groups say the 287(g) program does more harm than good. Their main concerns include:
- Racial Profiling: Critics worry that deputies may target people based on how they look or sound, rather than on actual evidence of a crime.
- Family Separation: When parents are detained or deported, children can be left behind, causing trauma and hardship.
- Fear of Law Enforcement: Immigrant families may avoid calling the police—even in emergencies—because they fear deportation. This can make the whole community less safe.
- Community Trust: When people don’t trust the police, it’s harder for law enforcement to solve crimes and keep neighborhoods safe.
One local resident at the July 8 meeting said, “We want to feel safe in our homes, but this program makes us afraid of the very people who are supposed to protect us.”
Supporters’ Arguments: Public Safety and Crime Prevention
Some local officials and residents support the 287(g) partnership. They argue that the program:
- Targets Criminals: Supporters say the program focuses on people with criminal records who are also undocumented.
- Improves Safety: By removing people who commit crimes, they believe the program makes Beaufort County safer.
- Federal-Local Cooperation: Supporters see the partnership as a way to share resources and information between local and federal agencies.
Sheriff P.J. Tanner has said that the program is about “keeping dangerous individuals off the streets” and that deputies are trained to follow the law and respect everyone’s rights.
What Do Experts Say About 287(g) Programs?
Immigration law experts and civil rights groups have studied 287(g) agreements across the United States 🇺🇸. Their findings include:
- Limited Impact on Crime: Studies show that 287(g) programs do not significantly lower crime rates. Many people arrested under these programs are picked up for minor offenses, not serious crimes.
- Negative Effects on Trust: Research shows that immigrant communities are less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police in areas with 287(g) agreements.
- Legal and Civil Rights Concerns: Some legal scholars argue that these programs can lead to violations of constitutional rights, especially if deputies overstep their authority.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the 287(g) program has sparked debate in many communities, with some counties choosing to end their agreements after seeing negative effects on public trust and safety.
Background: How Did Beaufort County Get Here?
Beaufort County has been part of the 287(g) program for several years. The partnership began as part of a national push to involve local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement. Over time, public debate has grown, especially as national immigration policies have changed.
Since 2023, several counties across the United States 🇺🇸 have ended their 287(g) agreements, often after public protests or changes in local government leadership. In Beaufort County, the current wave of opposition reflects a broader national trend of communities rethinking their involvement with ICE.
The July 8, 2025, Community Meeting: Voices from All Sides
The July 8 meeting was a chance for residents to speak directly to county leaders and the sheriff. Council members Alice Howard, York Glover, Gerald Dawson, and David Bartholomew said they wanted to “facilitate open dialogue” and listen to concerns.
- Advocacy Groups: Representatives from local immigrant rights organizations spoke about families torn apart by deportations and the fear that keeps people from seeking help.
- Law Enforcement: Sheriff Tanner explained the training deputies receive and said the program is focused on “public safety, not targeting communities.”
- Residents: Some residents shared personal stories of friends or family members detained under the program. Others said they support the partnership and want to see it continue.
Council Member York Glover encouraged residents to keep sharing their feedback, saying, “We are here to listen, and your voices matter.”
What Happens Next?
As of July 9, 2025, Beaufort County has not made any formal decision to end or change its 287(g) agreement with ICE. The July 8 meeting was the latest step in an ongoing debate, and officials say they will continue to review public feedback.
Possible next steps include:
- Further Community Meetings: County leaders may hold more meetings to gather input and discuss possible changes.
- Policy Review: The county council could review the agreement and consider changes or termination.
- Continued Advocacy: Advocacy groups plan to keep pushing for an end to the partnership, organizing rallies and public campaigns.
The outcome of these efforts is still uncertain, but the issue remains at the center of local politics.
How Does the 287(g) Program Affect Immigrant Families?
For many immigrant families in Beaufort County, the 287(g) program creates daily fear and uncertainty. Parents worry about being separated from their children. Workers fear losing their jobs if they are detained. Children may struggle in school because of stress at home.
Some families have already been affected. Advocacy groups report cases where a minor traffic stop led to detention and possible deportation. These stories fuel calls for change and highlight the real-life impact of the policy.
Implications for Law Enforcement and Public Safety
The relationship between law enforcement and the community is critical for public safety. When people trust the police, they are more likely to report crimes, serve as witnesses, and help solve cases. Critics of the 287(g) program say it damages this trust, making everyone less safe.
On the other hand, supporters argue that the program helps remove dangerous individuals and keeps neighborhoods secure. The debate centers on whether the benefits outweigh the costs to community trust.
What Can Residents Do?
Residents who want to share their views or get more information can:
- Contact County Officials: Council Member York Glover can be reached at 843-812-2909 or [email protected].
- Attend Public Meetings: Watch for announcements about future community meetings or council sessions.
- Learn More About 287(g): The official ICE 287(g) program page provides details about how the program works and which counties participate. You can visit the ICE 287(g) program page for more information.
Looking Ahead: The Future of 287(g) in Beaufort County
The future of the 287(g) program in Beaufort County is uncertain. The July 8 meeting showed that many residents want change, but county officials have not yet made a decision. The debate is likely to continue, with both sides making their case to the public and local leaders.
Key factors that could influence the outcome include:
- Public Pressure: Continued advocacy and public comment may push officials to review or end the agreement.
- Crime and Safety Data: Officials may look at local crime statistics to see if the program is meeting its goals.
- Legal Challenges: If residents or advocacy groups believe their rights are being violated, they could file lawsuits or complaints.
Broader National Context
Beaufort County’s debate is part of a larger national conversation about the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration policy. Since 2023, several counties and cities have ended their 287(g) agreements, citing concerns about civil rights and community trust.
ICE continues to promote the program, saying it helps remove people with criminal convictions and supports public safety. However, critics argue that the program’s costs—especially to immigrant families and community trust—are too high.
Conclusion: A Community at a Crossroads
Beaufort County stands at a crossroads. The decision about whether to continue, change, or end its partnership with ICE under the 287(g) program will shape the lives of thousands of residents. The July 8 meeting was a clear sign that many people want their voices heard and their concerns addressed.
For now, the county’s agreement with ICE remains in place. But with strong public pushback and ongoing debate, the future of the 287(g) program in Beaufort County is far from settled. Residents, officials, and advocacy groups will all play a role in what happens next.
For those seeking more details or wishing to get involved, staying informed through official county news releases and the ICE 287(g) program page is recommended. As the situation develops, the choices made in Beaufort County may serve as an example for other communities facing similar questions about immigration, safety, and trust.
Learn Today
287(g) Program → A federal program allowing local officers ICE authority after special training to enforce immigration laws.
ICE Detainer → A request to local authorities to hold a suspect for possible ICE custody and deportation.
Memorandum of Agreement → A legal contract between ICE and local agencies defining 287(g) program terms and responsibilities.
Racial Profiling → Targeting individuals for suspicion based on race or ethnicity instead of evidence of wrongdoing.
Family Separation → The forced division of families due to deportations or detentions under immigration enforcement actions.
This Article in a Nutshell
Beaufort County’s ICE 287(g) partnership ignites debate. Residents fear racial profiling and family separation. Officials defend safety benefits. With no decision to end it, the community’s trust and law enforcement’s role remain in question amid ongoing public concern and advocacy.
— By VisaVerge.com