News Summary
Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette has unveiled plans for South Carolina’s first immigration detention center, named the Palmetto Pen. Aimed at detaining violent illegal immigrants, the center seeks to enhance public safety and adjust the state’s approach to immigration enforcement. As ICE arrests rise in the state, Evette’s proposal reflects ongoing debates about community safety and legal frameworks surrounding immigration. Recovery strategies are also being discussed among local law enforcement to improve coordination with federal authorities.
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, who is campaigning for the position of governor, has introduced a plan to establish an immigration detention center in South Carolina, named the Palmetto Pen. This facility would be the first of its kind in the state and is designed to detain and process illegal immigrants who have committed crimes.
Evette’s proposal aims to focus on the detention of violent illegal immigrants who pose risks to local communities and violate laws. The Palmetto Pen is envisioned as a highly secure and isolated facility, marking a significant shift in how the state handles immigration enforcement.
The Palmetto Pen’s concept was articulated in an opinion piece published online, where Evette emphasized her commitment to protecting families and businesses in South Carolina. The facility arises against a backdrop of intensified immigration enforcement in the state, particularly since the Trump administration. Recent statistics indicate that the number of arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in South Carolina has either doubled or tripled, reflecting a broader trend in immigration control efforts.
In the current year, data reveal that approximately 47% of ICE arrests in South Carolina were of individuals with pending charges, while 41% were convicted criminals. This pattern showcases the focus on apprehending those who have already encountered the legal system.
Several local law enforcement agencies in South Carolina, including those in Lexington County, are actively cooperating with ICE under the 287(g) Jail Enforcement Model. This program authorizes select local law enforcement officers to perform limited immigration enforcement duties, which has facilitated closer collaboration between local and federal authorities. In Lexington County, a specific number of detention beds have been allocated for ICE detainees, often filled due to daily transfers of individuals apprehended.
However, this increase in immigration enforcement has sparked concerns within the Hispanic community in various parts of South Carolina. Many residents express heightened fear and anxiety regarding ICE’s activities, leading some individuals to alter their daily routines to avoid potential encounters with immigration officers.
Attorney General Alan Wilson has called upon sheriffs around South Carolina to strengthen their partnership with ICE and enhance their efforts in immigration enforcement. Despite renewed emphasis on immigration policing, some local officials have underscored the challenges associated with the 287(g) program, including its complexity and the financial burden it imposes, notably on rural counties with limited resources.
In response to these difficulties, plans are underway for South Carolina sheriffs to convene at their annual statewide meeting to discuss strategies aimed at improving access to the 287(g) program. By enhancing coordination between local law enforcement and ICE, officials hope to address the concerns of both communities and law enforcement regarding the impacts of federal immigration policies.
As South Carolina considers this proposed immigration detention center, the dialogue around immigration enforcement continues, illuminating the interplay between public safety, community sentiments, and the legal framework guiding immigration in the state.
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Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia
- Wikipedia: Immigration Detention in the United States
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Immigration Detention Centers
- WLTX
- Google Scholar: Immigration Enforcement South Carolina
- Fox Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- SC Daily Gazette
- Google News: ICE Immigration SC
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
