Protest Scheduled Following ICE Operations in Bluffton
BLUFFTON, S.C. — A protest is set for Friday afternoon, marking one week since Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations led to the detention of over a dozen individuals in Bluffton. Families across the Lowcountry continue to search for information regarding their missing loved ones.
In response to community concerns, the Lowcountry Immigration Coalition (LIC) convened a community meeting on Monday night to address questions and clarify the details surrounding last week’s ICE operation.
Footage captured by a witness revealed nearly 20 men being escorted into a detention van during the operation. Immigration attorney Amy Deverard indicated that at least two men in custody were driving vehicles registered to individuals with existing detention warrants. While the person named in the warrant was absent, the men inside the vehicle were detained.
Deverard emphasized that those arrested on Friday were not criminals. “No criminal warrants were issued,” she stated. “These individuals were detained based on administrative warrants, with many caught as collateral while authorities pursued others. This has created a climate of fear in our community.”
Families have expressed anxiety as some claim they have not heard from their loved ones since the operation. While some are aware their family members have been detained, they remain uncertain about their locations for immigration proceedings.
WSAV News 3 attempted to reach ICE representatives for additional details regarding the operation but received no response. The coalition has raised concerns about the 287-G Immigration Enforcement Cooperation Agreement between the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and ICE, suggesting it instills fear among residents.
Deverard reported receiving numerous calls from individuals with legal status who are hesitant to leave their homes for work, resulting in missed graduations and family events. “Every immigrant in this country constantly weighs these risks,” she said.
LIC had previously expressed its concerns about the 287-G program during meetings with Sheriff P.J. Tanner, who listened but ultimately chose to uphold the agreement. Advocates are now urging local businesses to lend their voice to the cause, highlighting the essential role immigrants play in the workforce.
As the upcoming sheriff’s election looms, Deverard emphasized the importance of voter awareness regarding the impact of the 287-G program on the community, calling for a leader who will reject ICE’s involvement. Both Republican candidates, Doug Seifert and JoJo Woodward, have voiced support for maintaining the program, which some community members believe may not align with the principles of community policing.
LIC pointed out that many individuals in custody are primary earners for their families, complicating their ability to make ends meet. Deverard currently handles hundreds of pending cases for immigrants seeking to remain in the country or return to their families after detention. She urged community members to be aware of their rights regarding ICE interactions.
The protest is scheduled for Friday, June 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Beaufort County City Hall, located at 4819 Bluffton Parkway, and is open to the public.
