During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the impact of sanctuary policies on local law enforcement, particularly in Charleston County, South Carolina. Representative Paul Gosar criticized Charleston County Sheriff Kristen Graziano for her decision to terminate the county's cooperation agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), known as the 287(g) program. This agreement previously allowed local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE in detaining undocumented immigrants.

Gosar accused Graziano of systematically dismantling immigration enforcement since taking office in early 2021, claiming that her policies have led to the release of criminal illegal aliens into the community. He highlighted that Graziano's office has been designated as noncooperative by ICE, which he argued has contributed to rising crime rates in the area. He referenced a statement from Graziano's office that indicated they would only hold individuals for ICE if a detainer was signed by an immigration judge, which he criticized as inadequate.

Throughout his remarks, Gosar sought to enter various documents into the congressional record, including photographs and statements that he claimed illustrated Graziano's failure to notify ICE about individuals in custody. He also disputed her assertion that violent crime had decreased in Charleston County, citing a state law enforcement report that indicated an increase in violent crime, including murders and aggravated assaults.

The meeting underscored the contentious debate surrounding sanctuary policies and their implications for public safety, with Gosar firmly opposing Graziano's approach and calling for accountability in local law enforcement's handling of immigration issues.