GREENVILLE, S.C. — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster outlined a bold effort regarding sanctuary cities on Monday during a press conference in Greenville.
McMaster was joined by members of the General Assembly to announce a new law enforcement initiative to ensure that no sanctuary cities are established in South Carolina, as well as a state law measure that requires local officials to prove compliance with current immigration standards on a yearly basis.
“Our cities are open to all who follow our laws, but are not sanctuaries for those who ignore them,” McMaster said. “South Carolina is a special place, known for the kindness and welcoming nature of its people, but it’s also a place that values law and order, and this bill will serve as a strong message to all that we will not tolerate lawlessness."
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Rep. Bruce Bannister, would add to the existing law in South Carolina that requires officials to make reasonable efforts to determine if a person who is arrested and charged with a crime is an unlawful resident of the United States.
“Right now, the public has no way of knowing if local municipalities are complying with state and federal immigration laws. This bill provides a necessary fix, and reaffirms our commitment to law and order,” Bannister said.
In addition, the legislation would require political subdivisions -- which received funding from the Local Government Fund -- to prove compliance with state immigration laws to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) before July 1 of each fiscal year. Any political subdivision found to be violating the laws would be deemed ineligible for money from the Local Government Fund for a minimum of three years and subject to SLED oversight.
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