Immigration Arrests Increase Amid Shifting Enforcement Strategies

Why it matters locally: The shift in federal immigration enforcement strategies, which emphasizes collaboration with state and local police forces, could lead to increased immigration-related activities and arrests within South Carolina, impacting local law enforcement agencies and communities.

Federal immigration authorities have recorded an increase in arrests, following a change in enforcement strategies. Less than a year ago, news reports highlighted aggressive immigration raids. Now, the Trump administration has adjusted its approach, according to reporting by Lauren Villagran of The Marshall Project. Instead of prioritizing high-profile operations, federal immigration authorities are collaborating with state and local police forces. Geoff Bennett referred to this altered methodology as a "shadow surge," as discussed with Villagran. This shift in tactics has contributed to elevated immigration arrest figures.