In a recent congressional hearing, Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace took a firm stance against sanctuary policies and their detrimental effects on communities, particularly in Charleston County, South Carolina. Responding to accusations of dishonesty from Charleston County Sheriff Kristen Graziano, Mace decisively set the record straight, using hard facts to refute Graziano’s claims and shining a light on the chaos that sanctuary cities can wreak on local law enforcement and public safety.
“I’m going to focus my time on the human cost of sanctuary policies from local officials, including Charleston County Sheriff, sanctuary Sheriff Kristen Graziano, and I hope she’s watching today,” Mace declared, addressing Graziano directly. This direct approach underscores Mace’s commitment to transparency and accountability in a climate where the safety of American citizens should come first.
Mace emphasized that Charleston County used to be a model of cooperation between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “Charleston County actually used to have comprehensive measures in place to cooperate with ICE,” she stated. “It acted as an over 72-hour detention facility for aliens apprehended by ICE, working together to enforce our nation’s laws and keep our community safe.” This cooperation was a lifeline for many residents who relied on law enforcement to uphold the law and protect their neighborhoods.
However, the tide turned when Graziano took office in early 2021. Mace pointed out that the new sheriff wasted no time dismantling these vital immigration enforcement policies. “No more, because of sanctuary Sheriff Kristen Graziano,” she lamented. “On her first day in office, she terminated Charleston County’s 287G cooperation agreement with ICE.” This decision not only undermined law enforcement efforts but also left many in the community feeling vulnerable to the consequences of unchecked illegal immigration.
Mace did not hold back in her criticism of Graziano’s alignment with the Biden administration, which has been widely criticized for its handling of border security and immigration policy. “Here she is with wide open borders, alongside Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, who often walk away from the podium and refuse to answer questions from the press—just like sanctuary Sheriff Kristen Graziano did at her own press conference today,” Mace added. This analogy highlights the connection between local policies and federal failures, a sentiment shared by many who believe that the administration’s lax approach to border security is compromising the safety of American communities.
The congresswoman did not shy away from labeling Graziano’s policies as “one of the dumbest things” she has witnessed in South Carolina history. She also countered Graziano’s accusations that she was a liar by entering concrete evidence into the congressional record. “Violent crime is up, murders, aggravated assaults, stolen vehicles—everything is up,” Mace declared, presenting the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s crime report to back her claims. “It’s not down, it’s a lie.”
Mace’s determined defense of her constituents resonates with many Americans who are increasingly concerned about crime rates and public safety in the face of lenient immigration policies. By challenging the status quo and holding local officials accountable, Congresswoman Mace is making it clear that she prioritizes the safety and well-being of her community over political correctness.
As the debate over sanctuary cities and immigration enforcement continues to rage, Mace’s fearless approach serves as a rallying cry for those who believe in upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of all Americans. In a time when sanctuary policies threaten the very fabric of our communities, strong leadership is needed to reclaim accountability and protect citizens.
