Bluffton, SC, September 26, 2025
News Summary
In Bluffton, SC, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) executed a law enforcement operation resulting in five arrests on identity fraud charges. The operation occurred near Southern Marsh Nursery and involved collaboration with state and local agencies. The arrests are part of a broader immigration enforcement initiative under ICE’s 287(g) program. Community reactions have highlighted growing concerns over immigration practices in Bluffton, reflecting ongoing debates about enforcement and trust within local communities.
Bluffton, SC – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a law enforcement operation in Bluffton, which led to the arrest of five individuals on identity fraud charges. The operation took place outside Southern Marsh Nursery on Thursday morning, September 25, 2025. This initiative was a collaborative effort between ICE and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), with assistance from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), which managed traffic during the operation.
The arrests were confirmed through inmate rosters at the Beaufort County Detention Center, and the individuals taken into custody include Jose Moreno-Romero, Erick Alfons Clavel Gonzalez, Francisco Ramirez Santiago, Pablo Santiago Ramirez, and Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon. They are facing charges related to identity fraud intended for employment or to evade law enforcement. Andrew Ahmann, the owner of Southern Marsh Nursery, reported that the operation targeted an area behind the nursery utilized as a “laydown yard” for local landscapers. Although Ahmann did not witness any arrests, he noted that agents were seen questioning numerous people.
Following the arrests, reports indicated that agents were later observed near Hilton Head Island, close to the entrance of Sea Pines. This operation was part of a broader framework established after SLED signed an agreement under ICE’s 287(g) program, granting state police the authority to enforce immigration law. A local immigration attorney confirmed seeing ICE agents on Hilton Head Island, further reinforcing the operation’s reach within the community.
According to Sheriff’s Lt. Daniel Allen, SLED led the operation but provided limited information regarding the details. Although five arrests were reported, it remains unclear how many individuals were detained throughout the process. Eyewitness accounts from individuals, including Araceli Guerrero Ramos, described the scene as heavily fortified with about 15 law enforcement vehicles and the presence of a drone. The operation reportedly lasted around one hour, concluding by 8 a.m.
This joint operation has ignited local scrutiny and controversy surrounding immigration enforcement practices in Bluffton, raising concerns amongst community members about its implications.
ICE’s 287(g) program allows state and local officials to engage in immigration enforcement activities, which has been a topic of debate nationwide. Various communities have voiced their opinions on the balance between immigration law enforcement and community trust. The involvement of local law enforcement agencies has made discussions around these operations particularly sensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What operation took place in Bluffton, SC?
ICE conducted a law enforcement operation leading to five arrests for identity fraud. - When did the operation occur?
The operation occurred on Thursday morning, September 25, 2025. - Who assisted in the operation?
SLED and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the operation. - What were the charges against the individuals arrested?
The individuals were charged with identity fraud to obtain employment or avoid detection by law enforcement. - Who were the individuals arrested?
The arrested individuals were Jose Moreno-Romero, Erick Alfons Clavel Gonzalez, Francisco Ramirez Santiago, Pablo Santiago Ramirez, and Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon. - Where was the operation focused?
The operation focused on an area behind Southern Marsh Nursery used as a “laydown yard” for local landscapers. - What was SLED’s involvement?
SLED led the operation as part of an agreement under ICE’s 287(g) program. - What has been the local response to the operation?
The operation has sparked local scrutiny and controversy concerning immigration enforcement in the community.
Key Features of the Operation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | September 25, 2025 |
| Location | Southern Marsh Nursery, Bluffton, SC |
| Agencies Involved | ICE, SLED, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office |
| Number of Arrests | Five |
| Charges | Identity fraud to obtain employment or avoid detection by law enforcement |
| Focus Area | Laydown yard for local landscapers |
| Duration of Operation | Around one hour |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hilton Head Residents Face Rising Threat of Check Fraud
Additional Resources
- WTOC: ICE Operation Bluffton Officially Confirmed
- Google Search: ICE Operation Bluffton
- Island Packet: ICE Operation in Bluffton
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Enforcement
- WSAV: ICE and SLED Operation in Bluffton
- Google News: ICE Raids Bluffton
- NBC News: Cities and ICE Raids
- Google Search: Immigration Law Enforcement
- ABC News: ICE Conducts Lowcountry Sweeps
- Google Scholar: ICE Arrests
- Post and Courier: SLED Immigration Arrests
- Google Search: Bluffton SC ICE Operation
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
