Democrats of Sun City and Friends:
This call to action was received from a number of sources. It was not organized by the BCDP or Democrats of Sun City. However, I am sharing it, as requested, because I believe many of you will welcome the opportunity to stand in solidarity with our immigrant community.
Please distribute!
As you may have heard on the news there were immigration sweeps in Bluffton on Friday, May 29th. ICE, aided by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department and South Carolina Law Enforcement took nearly 15 people out of the Beaufort County Government Complex in Bluffton and took them to various detention centers, mostly in Georgia. Here is a news report of the incident https://www.wjcl.com/article/bluffton-ice-operation-immigration-advocates-react/71464154
These were NOT people who had criminal records or warrants. These were merely people who had different immigration statuses. They were working hard jobs and living peaceful, lawful lives as so many of our immigrant neighbors do. This was exactly what Sheriff Tanner said would NOT happen when the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department entered into the 287G agreement with ICE. And now arbitrary sweeps are here – bringing fear and distrust to our communities as we’ve seen happen elsewhere.
The immigrant community and their friends and families are terrified right now. Families are heartbroken. Regardless of their immigration status, people are deciding not to go out in public for fear of being rounded up. The effects of this will be felt for years to come.
Let’s tell ICE and BCSD that we do not want this in our Low Country Community!
Let us tell Beaufort County Government that our municipal buildings should not be used like this.
Let us tell our immigrant neighbors that they are not alone!!
Join us for a protest
Where: Beaufort County Government Complex 4819 Bluffton Parkway, Bluffton, SC 29910
When: Friday, June 5th, 4pm – 6pm