Charleston Reporter

Congresswoman Nancy Mace has raised concerns regarding the actions of Sheriff Kristin Graziano, urging her to clarify the handling of 51 ignored ICE detainer requests. Mace is seeking a detailed written plan from Graziano on preventing future releases of non-citizen criminals in Charleston County.

Mace has requested that the Sheriff's office provide all communications between them and ICE, including documents related to ICE detainer requests and illegal aliens apprehended by the Sheriff's Office. The deadline for these submissions is October 15, 2024.

Data from ICE indicates that as of July 21, 2024, over 12,000 noncitizens with convictions or pending charges for sex offenses are not in custody. Additionally, more than 20,000 noncitizens charged with or convicted of sexual assault remain free. Furthermore, there are nearly 14,945 noncitizens charged with or convicted of murder who are not detained. Overall, ICE's non-detained docket includes 662,566 criminal aliens at large.

Sheriff Graziano has reportedly ignored multiple ICE detainer requests, raising safety concerns among South Carolinians due to criminal aliens being released into the community.

"These numbers are terrifying. We have tens of thousands of criminal illegal aliens, some of them convicted sexual predators, free to walk our streets," stated Rep. Nancy Mace. "And why? Because people like Sheriff Graziano have prioritized sanctuary policies over the safety of our communities. Charleston County is in grave danger from this leadership. We need law enforcement to work with ICE, not against them."

"Every day we delay is another day criminals are allowed to terrorize our neighborhoods."

For further information or media inquiries, contact SC01press@mail.house.gov.