It was standing room only in Sheriff P.J. Tanner’s training room on Bay Street during a community meeting held on July 8, 2025. At the request of County Council representatives, the Sheriff hosted the event to answer questions and concerns about immigration enforcement in Beaufort County. A recent nationwide increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, along with a tripling of ICE’s federal budget, has raised questions about how local communities—including Beaufort County—will be impacted.
Sheriff Tanner opened the meeting by announcing that the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has applied to participate in ICE’s 287(g) program, a federal initiative under the Immigration and Nationality Act that delegates immigration enforcement authority to local law enforcement agencies. Specifically, Tanner has requested the aggressive form of participation: the task force model, which allows selected deputies to be trained and certified as federal immigration officers. According to ICE, 398 law enforcement agencies across 32 states currently participate in this model.
Tanner emphasized that applying for 287(g) would allow Beaufort County to maintain local control over immigration enforcement. He said that, if approved, only one deputy would initially be trained for the program. He also noted that BCSO previously operated under the 287(g) task force model from 2008 to 2012.
In addition to his comments about 287(g), Sheriff Tanner reminded the audience that the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution prevents him from stopping federal immigration enforcement activities in the county. He made clear that he intends to fully cooperate with ICE and other federal agencies.
Many in attendance expressed opposition to Tanner’s approach. Speakers included an immigration attorney, an economist, an ACLU representative, and other community activists. The atmosphere grew tense at times, with some shouting from the back of the room. Beaufort resident Terry Murray accused the Sheriff of being “disingenuous” and “talking down to us.” Another speaker, Anna Ramirez, turned to the crowd and urged voters to elect a new sheriff in 2026.
When asked about the cost of implementing the 287(g) task force model, Tanner asserted that he alone controls the Sheriff’s Office budget. While acknowledging that the County Council approves the budget, he stated bluntly: “287(g) was never part of the discussion because it’s none of their business.”
Sheriff Tanner also explained that the Beaufort County Detention Center already communicates with ICE when an inmate’s immigration status is in question during the booking process. This can result in an “ICE hold,” where the inmate is detained until ICE authorizes their release—regardless of the charges that led to the arrest. Tanner again cited the Supremacy Clause, stating that BCSO has no authority over what happens once ICE becomes involved. Several attendees voiced concern over this practice, sharing personal stories of individuals who were detained and ultimately separated from their families and communities.
If those in attendance at the Sheriff’s meeting were looking for clear answers or policies, they did not receive them. If they were looking for a collaborative understanding, they did not leave with one. While it was evident that both the Sheriff and attendees were deeply passionate about immigration enforcement, it was equally clear that they remain divided on how it should be handled in Beaufort County.
Watch the full meeting here.
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