South Carolina Sanctuary City Prohibition Statewide Statute

Section 17-13-170 and related provisions of the South Carolina Code expressly forbid counties, municipalities, and law enforcement agencies from enacting policies, ordinances, or practices that restrict communication or cooperation with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. State and local officers are authorized to verify the immigration status of persons lawfully detained and to honor federal detainers. The Attorney General may investigate and bring enforcement actions against any political subdivision that adopts sanctuary policies. Public funds and grants may be withheld from non-compliant jurisdictions, ensuring statewide uniformity on immigration cooperation.

Local jurisdictions adopting sanctuary policies risk loss of state funding, civil enforcement by the Attorney General, and removal of officials.