Charleston County Sheriff Defends Immigration Policies Amidst Political Accusations

Charleston County Sheriff Responds to Immigration Accusations

In Charleston, South Carolina, a firestorm of debate has erupted following a statement released by U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, questioning the county sheriff’s commitment to immigration enforcement. Representative Mace accused Sheriff Kristin Graziano of systematically dismantling immigration enforcement in Charleston County. This assertion stems from what Mace claims to be the sheriff’s office ignoring at least 51 detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since 2021.

A Response to Allegations

In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Sheriff Graziano refuted Mace’s claims while emphasizing that local law enforcement does not have the authority to arrest individuals based solely on their immigration status. Graziano pointed out that immigration is a federal issue and stated, “Under your leadership, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has refused to provide U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with adequate hold time to assume custody of illegal aliens.” She countered, “We do not and have never released a detainee without a judge’s order.”

Graziano went on to explain that their policy is clear on their public website regarding ICE detainers. They only hold individuals for ICE if there is an official detainer and immigration order signed by a judge. She clarified that there are currently 13 individuals held in their facility on an immigration judge’s order, emphasizing that they have never disregarded a judge’s order.

Political Dynamics at Play

This clash of narratives has sparked heated debates not only in Charleston but also beyond its borders. Graziano, who is a Democrat running for reelection, suggested that Mace is engaging in “performative politics”, pointing out that Mace’s congressional district doesn’t even contain the local detention center. The sheriff’s statement also mentioned a critical view of Mace’s understanding of local law enforcement operations, urging her to focus on the needs of the local community rather than politicizing these issues.

Mace accused Graziano specifically of releasing individuals charged with serious offenses, including an incident on August 23. According to Mace, the sheriff’s office failed to honor an ICE detainer request concerning an unnamed individual charged with two counts of criminal solicitation of a minor. Mace blasted the sheriff’s office for releasing this individual, asserting that this endangers the safety of Charleston’s residents.

Clarification by the Sheriff’s Office

However, Charleston County Sheriff’s spokesperson Alexis Douglas clarified that no order was received from a judge on that date to hold anyone. “If we had, we would have held them,” Douglas assured, maintaining that the sheriff’s office strictly follows the law when it comes to detainers and holds.

Looking Forward

In a significant twist to the ongoing narrative, Mace has also requested copies of all communications between Graziano’s office and ICE related to detainer requests and removals, with a deadline set for October 15. Graziano’s office has begun researching how many jails continue to participate in the 287(g) program in South Carolina, which allows local law enforcement to work with ICE. According to Douglas, there are only three counties currently participating due to considerations of cost and staffing.

Reactions from the Community

The community’s reaction to this public back-and-forth varies. Some residents express concerns about public safety and immigration enforcement, while others support Graziano’s stance on local law enforcement’s limitations regarding immigration issues. As both Graziano and Mace continue to navigate these contentious waters, the coming weeks promise to keep Charleston in the spotlight regarding immigration policies at the local level.