Charleston Reporter

Rep. Nancy Mace has formally requested all communications between the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and ICE, including documents related to ICE detainer requests, illegal aliens apprehended by the Sheriff’s Office, and the termination of the 287(g) agreement. The deadline for submitting these documents is October 15, 2024.

"From the moment you were sworn in as Sheriff, you have systematically dismantled immigration enforcement in Charleston County. You have also made every possible effort to turn Charleston County into a sanctuary jurisdiction," Rep. Mace wrote in a letter to Sheriff Graziano. "Under your leadership, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has refused to provide U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with adequate hold time to assume custody of illegal aliens and refused to provide ICE with notification you have an illegal alien in custody prior to their release. In fact, Charleston County has been recognized as a non-cooperative institution by ICE.”

Mace further emphasized the dangers posed to the community: “In other words, you are purposefully and systematically allowing criminal illegal aliens to roam free in Charleston County and surrounding areas. You are purposefully putting local residents at risk, adults and children alike.”

Since 2021, Sheriff Graziano’s office has ignored at least 51 ICE detainer requests, releasing dangerous criminal aliens back into the community. One recent case involved an illegal alien charged with two counts of criminal solicitation of a minor. Despite these serious charges, the Sheriff’s Office refused to honor the ICE detainer, releasing the individual on bond, further endangering the community.

Rep. Mace is launching this inquiry to uncover Sheriff Graziano’s agenda, which prioritizes illegal aliens over the safety of South Carolina families and directly conflicts with Lowcountry values.

For media inquiries please contact SC01press@mail.house.gov

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