Community members, students, business owners and elected officials plan to protest the establishment of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in downtown Columbia. The protest is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at 1441 Main St.
According to news reports earlier this week, the federal government has secured at 10-year, $4.3 million lease at 1441 Main St. to house ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), which handles deportation cases. That news has sparked controversy throughout the capitol city.
Annie Mahaffey, a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, expressed concern over the decision, saying the move is not about keeping our communities safe.
"It is about terrifying and destabilizing our community. The infiltration of our downtown district by ICE is an aggressive escalation, and we call on the people of Columbia to stand up against it, Mahaffey said.”
On Wednesday, Columbia City Councilman Tyler Bailer spoke to SC Public Radio about his concerns over the lack of transparency related to the decision. He said not a single city councilperson, the Mayor, city manager nor police were made aware.
"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," Bailey said. "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."
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."
Some University of South Carolina students plan to join the protest Friday as the location of the ICE office sits near the university and student housing. Student organizer Quinnie Mustian says many students also are angry about the lack of communication from the federal government and heightened security concerns associated with potential risks.
"The $4.3 million lease agreement was concealed from the public and local government and is putting the safety of our neighbors at risk. We need all USC students and students from across the midlands to join us on Friday to stand up and fight back. We will not let more violent ICE activity invade our communities, and the students of South Carolina will continue to fight for our immigrant communities, Mustian said.”
SC Public Radio is following this developing story and will provide coverage of Friday's protest.