News Summary
South Carolina Lt. Governor Pamela Evette is advocating for the construction of a new immigration detention facility, named ‘Palmetto Pen,’ amid an alarming rise in ICE arrests within the state. This initiative coincides with the governor’s office exploring strengthened immigration enforcement measures. The community response has included protests, highlighting the profound impact on immigrant families as local law enforcement collaborates with federal authorities to target undocumented residents with criminal backgrounds as tensions over federal immigration policies heighten.
Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina Lt. Governor Pamela Evette is promoting the construction of a new immigration detention facility, referred to as “Palmetto Pen,” in response to a significant increase in arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the state. This initiative aligns with the state governor’s office, led by Governor Henry McMaster, which is investigating how to bolster immigration enforcement efforts utilizing state resources.
Evette’s advocacy surfaces amidst rising tensions and protests concerning federal immigration policies. She voiced her support for President Donald Trump’s tougher stance on immigration through a recent Facebook post, emphasizing the necessity of removing dangerous undocumented immigrants from local communities.
In the wake of heightened immigration enforcement, ICE arrests have surged dramatically in South Carolina, with recent statistical data showing numbers doubling or even tripling compared to the previous year. In March 2023 alone, arrests peaked at 345 cases. Of these arrests, 47% targeted individuals with pending charges, while 41% were already convicted, indicating a substantial overlap between criminal activity and immigration violations.
A significant incident occurred on June 1 in Charleston County, where an ICE raid resulted in 80 arrests at a nightclub. Additional operations, such as one in West Union during a human trafficking investigation at a Mexican restaurant, led to the arrest of eight individuals. Such events have heightened anxiety among the immigrant community, prompting measures to avoid potential ICE actions.
Community Response and Protests
In response to the ongoing crackdown on undocumented immigrants, various businesses in Greenville participated in the “A Day Without Immigrants” protest, resulting in the temporary closure of several establishments. This movement aimed to raise awareness of the valuable contributions of Hispanic communities to the local economy. Participating businesses included La Unica International Supermarket, Las Meras Tortas, and Tacos La Patrona, showing unity against the prevailing immigration policies.
Local organizations, including the Hispanic Alliance, express concerns that the immigration enforcement strategies are adversely impacting innocent families and individuals within the community. They argue that the current crackdown creates an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty within immigrant populations.
Local Law Enforcement Collaboration with ICE
South Carolina local law enforcement agencies, including the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, are committed to collaborating with ICE to detain undocumented immigrants who have criminal backgrounds. State Attorney General Alan Wilson has encouraged sheriffs across the state to work with federal immigration officials, particularly focusing on apprehending violent offenders. Sheriff Hobart Lewis in Greenville County supports a program that enables local officers to be trained and permitted to execute warrants against noncitizens within their jurisdictions.
Additionally, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office is currently assessing its response to the attorney general’s guidance regarding increased collaboration with ICE on immigration enforcement. This approach reflects a broader strategy among South Carolina officials to tighten immigration regulations amid the current political climate.
Looking Ahead
The proposal for the “Palmetto Pen” facility signifies a continued shift towards stricter immigration measures in South Carolina. As the state’s leaders navigate the complexities of immigration enforcement, the multifaceted implications of their decisions will likely resonate within the communities they affect—shaping the landscape of immigration policy, local economies, and the lives of individuals navigating their status within the state.
In summary, as immigration enforcement intensifies through arrests and proposed facilities, the community’s reaction continues to manifest in protests and discussions about the implications for public safety and economic contributions from Hispanic populations in South Carolina.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Investigations of Inhumane Treatment at Florida Immigration Facility
Florida’s Controversial Immigration Detention Center Faces Challenges
New Migrant Detention Facility ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Opens in Florida
Florida’s Controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Center
Mahmoud Khalil Returns to NYC After 104 Days in Detention
No Kings Rally in Greenville Protests Trump Administration Policies
Four Detainees Escape from Delaney Hall Detention Facility
Federal Charges Dismissed for Newark’s Mayor Ras Baraka
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s Arrest Stirs Political Debate
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Monthly ICE Arrests Triple in South Carolina
- WYFF4: Greenville Businesses Close for ‘A Day Without Hispanics’
- Greenville Online: Greenville County to Work with ICE on Detaining Criminal Immigrants
- WSPA: Trump’s Immigration Crackdown’s Impact on South Carolina
- The State: South Carolina’s Political Landscape on Immigration Enforcement
- Wikipedia: Immigration in the United States
- Google Search: South Carolina immigration
- Google Scholar: South Carolina ICE arrests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- Google News: South Carolina immigration policies
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
