In Beaufort, a recent community meeting with Sheriff P.J. Tanner sparked heated discussions, highlighting his continued push for collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the 287(g) program, and concerns about the rapid growth affecting local communities.
Tensions Over ICE Program
The one hour and 20-minute “community chat” held last Tuesday with Sheriff Tanner didn’t go as planned for the sheriff, as many in the audience were frustrated with his stance on the ICE program. About 150 people attended the meeting, and although the room quickly reached capacity, many others, including local TV media, were left outside.
Tanner was there to defend his department’s efforts to collaborate with ICE, a partnership he first entered in 2008. He emphasized that the contract to participate in the 287(g) program is still in negotiation, despite already being finalized with over 20 other South Carolina agencies.
The meeting, which was meant to answer questions, turned into a contentious exchange, with Tanner making it clear that he considered himself in charge of the conversation. When asked about his reasoning for supporting the ICE program, Tanner insisted that there is significant support for his position, even as numerous public comments from the community showed strong opposition.
Calls for Change and Upcoming Elections
Several attendees, frustrated with Tanner’s responses, voiced their calls for change. Tanner, who will be up for re-election in 2026, may face a tough challenge from those unhappy with his approach. Despite reaching federal retirement age, Tanner gave no indication that he plans to retire or change his position on working with ICE. His previous re-election campaign in 2022 saw him defeating a former officer, J.J. Woodward, with 62% of the vote.
A group of over 100 anti-ICE advocates gathered the Friday after the meeting to protest in front of the sheriff’s office on Hilton Head Island, indicating that opposition to Tanner’s stance is only growing.
Local Growth and Development Concerns
In addition to the heated discussion on immigration, growth and development in the Lowcountry remain a point of concern for both Port Royal and Beaufort. With the recent paving of Ribaut Road, residents in Beaufort and Port Royal have expressed growing anxiety over how rapid development is reshaping their communities.
In Port Royal, the Town Council recently gave unanimous approval to revisions of their development code, which includes changes to traffic impact analysis, lot setbacks, and road interconnectivity. This comes after the town implemented a moratorium on multi-family apartment buildings in April 2024, to help slow the pace of development. The council also imposed stricter tree protection ordinances and tougher regulations on short-term rentals.
Despite the moratorium, applications for large-scale projects continue to flood the town’s planning office, showing the persistent demand for growth. The potential development of SafeHarbor, which may change Port Royal forever, is a major point of discussion.
Beaufort’s Development Code Delays
Meanwhile, in Beaufort, the City Council voted 3-2 to delay the final reading of two chapters of their revised development code. This delay came after the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce requested more time to study the implications of the changes. The delay frustrated some council members, as the chamber had not participated in the numerous public meetings held to discuss the revisions.
In Beaufort, the issue of growth is a balancing act, with the council aiming to control development while still addressing the needs of the growing population.
