South Carolina
A high-level overview of immigration enforcement activity, school protection policies, and resources for families and educators in South Carolina.
Overview
State context
South Carolina has no state law protecting schools from immigration enforcement and has taken a cooperative posture with federal enforcement. Several counties have 287(g) agreements. The state has a growing immigrant population tied to manufacturing and construction, particularly in the Upstate region (Greenville, Spartanburg).
ICE activity
ICE is active in South Carolina, particularly in the Upstate manufacturing corridor and in the Lowcountry's agricultural and hospitality industries. County sheriffs with 287(g) agreements extend enforcement reach.
School policies
No statewide or widely adopted district-level school protection policies. Greenville County Schools and other Upstate districts serve significant immigrant populations without formal protections.
Notes for advocates
The Upstate South Carolina region has attracted significant investment from international manufacturers (BMW, Michelin, BMW), which has brought immigrant professional and working-class communities. The Lowcountry has long had immigrant communities tied to agriculture and seafood processing.
Is your district protected?
Find out whether your school district has a warrant-based policy in place, and what you can do if it doesn't.