LOWCOUNTRY, S.C. (WCIV) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and Homeland Security Investigations agents from Charlotte conducted sweeps in the Lowcountry Friday, locating and arresting individuals they say are “illegal criminal aliens.”
Though law enforcement reports from these arrests have not yet been released, Enforcement and Removal Operations’ Atlanta posted on ‘X’ stating that they were assisting agents in Charleston. The agency said they arrested undocumented migrants who are members of the gang Tren de Aragua and were dealing fentanyl.
Rep. Nancy Mace said she was on a ride-along with ICE in the Lowcountry today, however, it is unclear which locations she visited. According to Mace, the alleged Tren de Aragua gang members were arrested in Goose Creek.
“The criminal illegal alien ICE apprehended this morning was staying in my hometown of Goose Creek. They’re everywhere. They’re dangerous. And they need to be deported,” Mace stated in a post she made to ‘X’.
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News 4 contacted multiple local law enforcement agencies for comment including the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, Goose Creek Police Department and ICE.
“The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office collaboratively works with our local, state and federal partners on a daily basis to keep the citizens of Dorchester County,” The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “We have nothing further to add at this time.”
The Goose Creek Police Department was not given advanced notification of the raid, Chief LJ Roscoe said in a statement.
“It was reported to me, after the fact, that ICE was at the location serving a warrant. The Goose Creek Police Department was not given information in advance that ICE was going to be at the address, however, we were notified once they needed help,” Roscoe said. “They resolved the issue prior to our arrival, so no one from Goose Creek Police Department was involved or on scene.”
Immigration enforcement has been a primary objective of President Donald Trump’s second administration. Since taking office, Trump has carried out 21 executive actions to overhaul the U.S. immigration system.
The Trump administration is demanding at least 1,800 arrests per day from ICE — setting a quota of 75 busts minimum for each of the agency’s 25 offices, according to reports from the New York Post.
His predecessor Joe Biden carried out an average of 311 immigration deportations daily, according to ICE, mostly individuals who had committed crimes.
It was reported on Jan. 27 that Immigration authorities made close to 1,200 arrests in just one day with nearly half of those detained not possessing criminal records, meaning several people were arrested for only lacking legal authorization to remain in the United States.
Being undocumented is considered a civil offense, not a crime. But it’s considered a crime when an undocumented immigrant who was previously deported re-enters the United States without permission.
“We’re not just talking about deporting illegal aliens — we’re out here seeing it in action for ourselves – firsthand,” Mace said in a post on social media. “South Carolina needs bold leadership to support President Trump’s America First agenda deporting the bad guys and putting our people first.”
ICE, or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, recently conducted sweeps in the Lowcountry area, specifically in Goose Creek, resulting in the arrest of several alleged gang members.
The operation targeted individuals who were believed to be affiliated with dangerous criminal gangs and involved in illegal activities. ICE agents worked closely with local law enforcement to identify and apprehend these individuals.
While ICE’s actions aim to enhance public safety and remove criminal elements from the community, the arrests have sparked controversy and debate over the agency’s tactics and the impact on immigrant communities.
Critics argue that the sweeps have instilled fear and uncertainty among immigrant populations, regardless of their involvement in criminal activities. They also raise concerns about racial profiling and the potential for civil rights violations during these operations.
On the other hand, supporters of ICE’s efforts point to the importance of cracking down on gang-related crime and protecting communities from violence and exploitation. They argue that law enforcement agencies have a responsibility to uphold the law and ensure public safety, regardless of individuals’ immigration status.
The arrests in Goose Creek serve as a reminder of the complex and contentious issues surrounding immigration enforcement and the role of federal agencies like ICE in local communities. As the debate continues, it is crucial to consider the implications of these actions on individuals and families caught up in the crossfire of immigration enforcement efforts.
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