Advocates worry that immigrants will be more hesitant to report crimes.
SOUTH CAROLINA, USA โ A controversial immigration bill moving through the South Carolina state House has residents and community advocates expressing concern.ย
House Bill 4764 would require all South Carolina jails to collaborate with ICE under the 287(g) program, but opponents warn it could harm relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Courtney Thomas, Advocacy Director for the ACLU of South Carolina, said she worries the bill could create fear in immigrant communities.
“Immigrant communities โ especially Latino, Hispanic, and Spanish-speaking communities โ will be less likely to report crime because if their local law enforcement agency collaborates with ICE, thereโs fear that any interaction could mean deportation for themselves or their family members,” Thomas said.
Sheriffโs offices in Chester, Lancaster, and York counties have already opted into 287(g) agreements voluntarily. Thomas argues that making the program mandatory is unnecessary.
“Local law enforcement agencies already have the ability to opt in or out of 287(g) agreements,” she said. “My worry is that there will be more unsolved crime, because local law enforcement are diverted to doing the work of the federal government.”
Supporters of the bill argue that the legislation would provide consistency and improve safety.
Jeremy Beck, Co-President of NumbersUSA, shared, “if they want to come and pick someone up, [the agencies] will work with them to do that, so they can pick someone up whoโs in the country unlawfully in the safety and security of the facility rather than tracking them after release.”
Beck also highlighted the need for legislative guidance to prevent policy swings under new administrations.
“A new governor could come into place and completely change the way agencies cooperate,” he said. “Having the legislative branch weigh in provides consistency for law enforcement and residents,โ Beck continued.
The bill now awaits a vote in subcommittee, with debate expected to continue.
Contact Anna King at aking2@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.
