Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Under Congressional Pressure Amid Immigration Enforcement Controversy

Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Faces Congressional Pressure from Rep. Nancy Mace

In Charleston, South Carolina, tensions are heating up as U.S. Representative Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) is making waves over immigration enforcement practices by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. On November 1, 2024, Mace, who chairs the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation, publicly threatened to issue a congressional subpoena if the Sheriff’s Office does not comply with her requests for information.

The Conflict Begins

The root of this conflict lies in a request made by Mace in October for all communications between the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Mace expressed dissatisfaction with the sheriff’s office’s response, accusing it of “willful obstruction.” According to her, the agency hasn’t been cooperative and is jeopardizing public safety by not providing the requested documents.

“Our message is simple: hand over the documents or prepare for a subpoena,” Mace stated firmly. She emphasizes that such stonewalling from the federal level simply won’t stand, stating, “I won’t stand by while public safety is put at risk. Graziano needs to answer for her actions, and we’re going to do whatever it takes to make it happen.”

What’s at Stake?

The documents Mace wants to see include important details about how the local law enforcement agency handles ICE detainer requests as well as the termination of the county’s 287(g) agreement, which previously allowed local law enforcement to carry out certain immigration enforcement actions.

The sheriff’s office has until November 15, 2024, to comply with this request. In a letter shared with media, Mace made it clear that failure to respond adequately might lead to more coercive measures, including a subpoena. “The Committee will consider additional measures, including use of the compulsory process, to gain compliance and obtain this critical material,” the letter read.

Sheriff Graziano’s Response

In an unexpected twist, Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano (D) fired back, asserting her office’s commitment to following the law. Graziano emphasized that immigration enforcement should rest with federal authorities, not local law enforcement. “Just because she and her congressional colleagues cannot solve our country’s federal immigration problem doesn’t mean they get to make it mine,” she stated strongly.

She also implied that Mace’s actions could be politically motivated, especially as Graziano heads into her own reelection campaign against former Mount Pleasant Police Chief Carl Ritchie. “This is an abuse of power, and this is what the taxpayers of the United States are paying for,” she declared. “I welcome her and her colleagues to send us a subpoena— to prove we are following the law and doing everything by the book. Bring it on.”

The Background to the Dispute

Things became even more heated when Mace accused the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office of improperly releasing undocumented immigrants who were accused of crimes. In a letter from September, she claimed that the sheriff’s office was ignoring ICE detainer requests, which could hold individuals for up to 48 hours. Mace noted that since taking office, Graziano’s office had not complied with dozens of such requests and labeled the agency an “uncooperative institution,” a status shared by more than 550 institutions across the country.

In response to Mace’s allegations, Graziano denied any wrongdoing and stated that those figures have been misrepresented for political ends. As of late September, only 13 individuals housed in the Al Cannon Detention Center were on an immigration hold.

The 287(g) Agreement

Graziano’s decision to terminate the 287(g) agreement was one of her first acts as sheriff. She cited the financial burden it posed to taxpayers and clarified that now, an immigration judge’s signature is required for anyone to be detained based on an ICE hold. Currently, only three counties in South Carolina maintain such agreements.

Looking Ahead

With both parties standing firm in their positions, it remains to be seen how this standoff will unfold. As the November deadline approaches, eyes will be on both Mace and Graziano as Charleston witnesses a heated intersection of local and national politics over the contentious issue of immigration enforcement.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.