By Vareva Harris, Co-Editor
Vareva@thewoodrufftimes.com
Spartanburg County adheres to a limited 287(g) agreement focused on jail-based warrants, public safety, and maintaining trust with the community.
The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Department entered a Warrant Service Officer (WSO) agreement under the federal 287(g) program.
According to Sheriff Bill Rhyne, the decision reflects a clear priority: protect public safety while preserving community trust.
Sheriff Rhyne continues to emphasize the importance of rebuilding trust and transparency.
(See related coverage: New Spartanburg County sheriff starts with focus on trust, transparency and responsibility)
First, the Scope Is Narrow
This agreement allows specially trained deputies to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in a limited and structured way.
Importantly, Spartanburg County did not adopt the broader Task Force Model. That model allows immigration enforcement in the community.
Instead, the county chose the Warrant Service Officer model.
(Read more: Partner With ICE Through the 287(g) Program | ICE)
What the WSO Model Allows—and Does Not
Under this approach, deputies may serve ICE administrative warrants only on individuals already in custody at the county detention center.
As a result, deputies will not conduct immigration checks in neighborhoods, schools, churches, traffic stops, or community events.
This distinction, officials say, is critical.
Next, the Purpose Is Public Safety
Sheriff Rhyne has consistently said his support is grounded in public safety—not immigration politics.
During his campaign and after taking office, he described the agreement as a tool, not a mandate. That tool helps identify individuals who pose the greatest risk to the community. This includes violent offenders and repeat criminals already in jail.
Alignment With Federal Priorities
Rhyne also emphasized alignment with federal priorities.
He said the agreement mirrors ICE’s stated focus on serious criminal activity. At the same time, it allows local deputies to remain focused on their core mission: protecting residents.
Coverage of policy context is available here:
Partner With ICE Through the 287(g) Program | ICE
Just as important, Rhyne stressed limits. His responsibility, he said, is to “protect the people who live here.” Any cooperation with federal agencies will remain lawful, narrow, and safety-focused.
The agreement includes firm guardrails:
*Deputies must complete specialized training
*Certification is required
*All actions occur inside the detention facility
*Federal oversight applies throughout
Why Community Trust Matters
Local law enforcement leaders say these safeguards matter. By avoiding street-level immigration enforcement, the Sheriff’s department aims to maintain community trust.
Deputies say trust is essential to effective public safety.
When residents feel safe, they report crime. When cooperation increases, neighborhoods become safer.
In the end, officials say public safety and community trust work together. Protecting both remains central to the mission of the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Department.
Author: Vareva Harris
