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The Proposal of House Bill 4764

As South Carolina gears up for its legislative session, House Bill 4764 is one of the key pieces of legislation under consideration. This bill aims to strengthen the ties between state and federal immigration enforcement efforts. One of the main provisions of the bill is the authorization for any agency with a correctional facility to enter into a 287(g) agreement with the Department of Homeland Security. This agreement would allow U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to collaborate with local law enforcement agencies in identifying removable non-citizens who are arrested for other offenses. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of training for the officers involved in these enforcement functions.

The Impact of House Bill 4764

The implications of House Bill 4764 extend beyond just the authorization for 287(g) agreements. Last year, the state's general assembly made significant changes to law enforcement and public safety laws, including the establishment of an immigration enforcement training program for local law enforcement known as SLED. The new bill builds upon this foundation by empowering agencies that have agreements with the Department of Homeland Security to enforce immigration laws effectively. Furthermore, the bill provides immunity to law enforcement officers acting in good faith to enforce immigration laws, share immigration status information, or carry out the provisions of the bill.

The Support for House Bill 4764

Representative Travis Moore, the sponsor of House Bill 4764, believes that this legislation is crucial for enhancing federal and state cooperation in immigration enforcement. With over 40 lawmakers, including Representative Don Chapman, supporting the bill, there is a strong consensus on the need for such measures. According to Representative Chapman, the bill provides federal law enforcement with additional tools to address the challenges posed by the influx of individuals crossing the border. As the legislative session unfolds, the WYFF news team will continue to provide updates on the decisions that will shape the future of immigration enforcement in South Carolina.