Some state and local leaders are responding to news reports concerning a decision by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to open shop in downtown Columbia.
According to news reports, ICE has secured a 10-year, $4.3 million lease at 1441 Main St. The office will house ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), which handles deportation cases.
SC Public Radio spoke with Councilman Bailey Wednesday who expressed concern over the location which sits in the heart of downtown near student housing, a major hospital, and the weekly Soda City Market.
"We would assume there would be some sort of heads up given as a common courtesy to let us know because our constituents and citizens will rightfully come to us with questions," said Bailey, "If there are protests, we would be the one to use our resources, whether it's to have safe spaces for people to exercise their First Amendment, or if we're responding to law enforcement concerns, that falls on local government."
Councilman Bailey says he will be requesting a full briefing from federal agencies and exploring all legal tools to ensure the City of Columbia has a seat at the table. You can read the full statement here.
SC Public Radio also reached out to Governor McMaster's office. In a statement, the Governor's office wrote:
“In South Carolina, state and federal law enforcement agencies coordinate, communicate, and collaborate with one another on a daily basis on serious matters of public safety and national security. There is no expectation that federal law enforcement agencies notify the Governor’s Office in advance of making routine day-to-day administrative decisions.”
Lt. Governor Pamela Evette responded to the news with a post on ‘X’. Lt. Governor Evette said "the new ICE office in downtown Columbia strengthens our commitment to keeping sanctuary cities and illegal immigrants out of our state. In South Carolina, law and order isn't optional. We will work with federal officials to empower our law enforcement and get the job done."
