Protesters rally in Bluffton after ICE arrests outside Beaufort County government building

BLUFFTON, S.C. (WTOC) - Dozens of people gathered along Bluffton Parkway to protest recent arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside the Beaufort County government building, saying the operation has left families fearful and searching for answers.

Protesters said they were upset after an operation last week in which 17 men were seen leaving the Beaufort County Government Building in handcuffs before being escorted into a transport van by law enforcement.

Several people at the protest said they have been told the men were taken to a detention facility in Georgia.

A smaller crowd than some organizers said they are used to seeing still carried a message they wanted drivers passing by to hear: the community is watching closely, and they want ICE operations in Beaufort County to stop.

“I think we are just hoping that everyone understands our concerns, maybe looks into what happened last week, and realizes that the type of thing that’s going on is going a little bit too far,” Mike McClure said.

Others said their focus is on the families affected by the arrests.

“Everybody can do something to protect our neighbors and our citizens because Bluffton’s state of mind is not ICE,” Heidi Hanson said.

Several protesters questioned whether the people arrested received due process and whether their legal rights were honored.

“Is there a justice system in which this is really processed? Are they fed, what kind of health care do they have, and finally, what kind of justice system do they have?” Charlotte White said.

Some protesters said they understand that some of the people arrested may be alleged criminals, but argued that others taken into custody are immigrants who work in the community.

“I agree that if they came here illegally, there should be some ramifications, and we were promised they were going after the worst of the worst, but that isn’t what I see happening,” Natalie Nelson said.

Protesters also voiced disappointment with local law enforcement and county leaders, including opposition to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office signing a 287(g) agreement, which allows certain local officers to partner with federal immigration enforcement.

We have reached out to ICE to ask how many people were arrested, what charges they may face, and whether the agency can release identities. As of publication, we have not received a response.

Organizers said several local organizations that work with immigrants in Beaufort County were at the protest and are supporting families impacted by the operation, including helping them understand their legal rights.