South Carolina Lawmakers Debate Immigration Cooperation Bill

Proposed legislation would require state agencies to work with federal immigration authorities.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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South Carolina lawmakers are debating a bill that would mandate cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities. The bill would require agencies with correctional facilities to enter into 287-G agreements, which allow local police, sheriffs, and jail staff to be trained to identify, investigate, and arrest people who may be in the country illegally. Supporters say this would create uniformity across the state, while opponents argue it would instill fear in immigrant communities and that it's not the job of local law enforcement to carry out federal initiatives.

Why it matters

This proposed legislation is part of a broader debate over the role of state and local governments in enforcing federal immigration laws. Proponents believe it will improve public safety, while critics argue it will erode trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.

The details

The bill would require law enforcement agencies with correctional facilities to enter into 287-G agreements with the federal government. These agreements allow local police, sheriffs, and jail staff to be trained to identify, investigate, and arrest people who may be in the country illegally. Supporters, like Republican Rep. Travis Moore, say this would create uniformity across the state. Opponents, like Columbia resident Marcurius Byrd, argue it's not local law enforcement's job to carry out federal initiatives and that it would instill fear in immigrant communities.

  • The South Carolina state legislature is currently debating the proposed bill.

The players

Rep. Travis Moore

A Republican state representative from Spartanburg who supports the proposed legislation.

Marcurius Byrd

A Columbia resident who opposes the proposed legislation, arguing it would instill fear in immigrant communities.

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What they’re saying

“I understand your point of trying to make sure everything is uniform, but that uniformity of bringing ICE in directly during this current political culture is causing an undue amount of fear.”

— Marcurius Byrd, Columbia resident (wrdw.com)

“I just don't agree with the idea that in the absence of these agreements everybody will immediately be trusting law enforcement participating cooperating in investigations so we're balancing things.”

— Rep. Travis Moore, Republican state representative (wrdw.com)

What’s next

The subcommittee did not hold a vote on the bill but plans to revisit it in the future.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the ongoing debate over the role of state and local governments in enforcing federal immigration laws. Supporters believe it will improve public safety, while critics argue it will erode trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.