Charleston cannot adopt sanctuary policies. South Carolina SB 1318 (2008) prohibits any city or county from limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, with state funding tied to compliance.
South Carolina enacted Senate Bill 1318 in 2008 (codified at SC §17-13-170 and §23-3-1100) requiring all state and local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and prohibiting sanctuary policies. Charleston Police participate in information-sharing with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Local detainer compliance is mandated. Failure to comply jeopardizes state funding and grants. Charleston has neither adopted nor attempted a sanctuary ordinance. The Charleston County Sheriff operates the Al Cannon Detention Center and processes ICE detainers.
Local officials adopting sanctuary policies risk loss of state funding and potential personal liability; private individuals are not directly penalized by SB 1318.
See how Charleston's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.