Charleston County Sheriff’s Office rejoins ICE agreement 287(g)

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Deputies in Charleston County will soon be able to serve and execute civil immigration warrants at the Al Cannon Detention Center, according to an announcement from the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.

The law enforcement agency said Tuesday that it has rejoined the Section 287 (G) program in partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

This program is a voluntary partnership between ICE and the county, allowing deputies to perform limited immigration actions within their jurisdiction.

CCSO said they have signed a memorandum to participate in the Warrant Service Officer (WSO) program, which is one of three models offered under 287 (g).

The warrant service model allows ICE to train deputies to serve and executive civil immigration warrants in jails, in this case, Al Cannon.

“It enables our agency to assist in the removal of individuals in custody who have committed serious crimes and are in the U.S. unlawfully,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

“The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to public safety, law, and order, and serving the community while cooperating with state and federal agencies in accordance with the law,” the agency added. “Our approach remains unchanged: “We prioritize public safety and collaborate across all levels of government to serve Charleston County.”

Former Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano dissolved the 287(g) agreement between the sheriff’s office and ICE as one of her first official acts after taking office in 2021.

According to ICE, four other agencies in South Carolina were enrolled in 287(g) programs as of March 11. These include the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, Horry County Sheriff’s Office, York County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. 

Since taking office, Trump has signed several executive orders to crack down on immigration. He deployed military personnel and federal law enforcement to the southern border, froze the U.S. refugee admissions program, and reinstated policies that restrict pathways for asylum seekers.

He also ordered an end to birthright citizenship, though a federal judge quickly blocked the executive order, deeming it “blatantly unconstitutional.”

In February, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson sent a letter to the state’s 46 sheriffs encouraging them to work with ICE on immigration enforcement efforts.