COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) - Some of South Carolina’s top political leaders met in Columbia Thursday to promote an immigration enforcement initiative.

According to state lawmakers, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g) Program allows local law enforcement agencies to assist federal immigration authorities to enhance public safety.

The program, which is currently optional for counties and cities in South Carolina, enables local officers to check a detainee’s immigration status and cooperate with ICE when warranted.

Despite this, critics have emphasized that the program could harm civil rights and jeopardize community trust.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R - South Carolina), Governor Henry McMaster (R - South Carolina) and several local law enforcement officials spoke at the rou

See Full Page