COLUMBIA – A controversial bill requiring local law enforcement agencies to assist in federal immigration enforcement passed the Republican-controlled S.C. House on April 1 in a party-line 85-30 vote. District 41 House Representative Annie McDaniel voted against the bill.
Under the bill, any S.C. law enforcement agency that operates a detention facility must enter into a so-called 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The agreements can range from simply holding suspected illegal immigrants in local jails at federal request to street-level enforcement actions, such as accompanying federal officers on immigration raids and what critics call “show me your papers” traffic stops.
GOP supporters say the legislation is just a commonsense mandate that will put federal, state and local law enforcement officials on the same page.
“I strongly support this legislation. First, this bill reinforces a fundamental principle of good governance: cooperation between state and federal authorities in upholding the rule of law,” said State Senator Everette Stubbs (R-Fairfield County).
“Ensuring that our state agencies support the enforcement of federal law—including federal immigration law—is critical to maintaining public safety, preserving the integrity of our legal system, and promoting accountability at every level of government. I believe immigration is part of the fabric of our nation, but in the legal and appropriate manner. When individuals come here illegally,” Stubbs said, “we have a duty to hold them accountable for breaking the law. This law prevents the undermining of our federal partners and makes it clear that South Carolina believes in honoring the rule of law at the state and federal level.”
Democrats argue that local sheriffs and police are best situated to make enforcement decisions for their own communities.
About 37 local agencies in S.C. have voluntarily entered into 287(g) agreements to date.
Because Fairfield County operates a detention center, County Administrator Vic Carpenter said it will come under the new law if it passes the Senate.
“I’m waiting on information regarding how the law will be affecting all counties, as well as specific impacts to Fairfield,” Carpenter said. “At this point we have not received any guidance.”
The bill now heads to the S.C. Senate, where it’s believed to have broad support among the supermajority of GOP members.