South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has reached out to the state's 46 sheriffs, urging them to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on immigration enforcement initiatives. In a letter sent today, Wilson highlighted the challenges posed by what he described as an "unprecedented and disastrous influx of illegal immigration" in recent years.
Wilson's correspondence aims to encourage participation in ICE’s Section 287(g) program. This initiative is a voluntary partnership allowing state and local officials to engage in limited immigration enforcement tasks within their jurisdictions. The program offers sheriff’s departments flexibility, enabling them to choose from three levels of participation based on their resources and capabilities.
"As the chief prosecutor of South Carolina, I share the same sentiment as you about keeping our citizens and communities safe," wrote Wilson. He emphasized that upholding state and federal laws remains a priority for law enforcement.
The attorney general acknowledged that bureaucratic hurdles have diminished the effectiveness of the 287(g) program but expressed optimism following discussions with senior Department of Homeland Security officials. He anticipates improvements that will make the program more accessible.
Wilson noted that three counties in South Carolina are currently enrolled in the program, describing this as "a good start." He urged further participation to enhance safety across the state: "It will enable immigration enforcement to effectively resume and ensure that South Carolina will be safe from criminal illegal aliens."