CHARLESTON — The S.C. Department of Public Safety is the latest law enforcement agency in the Palmetto State joining a contentious federal program allowing local and state police to help enforce immigration laws.

According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website, DPS has a pending task force agreement for the 287(g) program .

The partnership allows selected officers to interrogate people suspected of being in the country illegally and detain people on immigration warrants even if they are not accused of committing a local or state crime .

In a statement to The Post and Courier, DPS spokesperson Kyle McGahee said the agency intends to have 30 officers across the state Transport Police and Highway Patrol trained under the partnership.

McGahee said at least three of th

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