Community Outrage Following Ice Raid at Alamo Nightclub

Charleston County witnesses significant community backlash following a recent sting operation and ICE raid at the Alamo nightclub that resulted in 80 arrests. The raid occurred on June 1 and has sparked substantial public discourse regarding immigration enforcement and local law enforcement’s role in coordinating with federal agencies.

Among those arrested, over 66 individuals were identified as undocumented immigrants, and five of these individuals are facing criminal charges. The operation, which included collaboration with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, was initiated after a tip-off in November 2024 regarding potential human trafficking activities.

Community reaction has been swift, with residents expressing deep concerns over Sheriff Carl Ritchie’s partnership with Homeland Security and the renewed implementation of the controversial 287(g) program. Advocates argue the operation unfairly targeted the Latino community, despite acknowledging the need to apprehend dangerous criminals.

Eyewitness accounts from patrons at the nightclub during the raid indicate a sense of fear and profiling among law-abiding individuals present. Reports emerged of multiple minors being present at the nightclub, including one case involving a reported missing child, raising further alarm among community members and advocates.

Additionally, during the operation, law enforcement discovered illegal drugs and firearms, and it was noted that the Alamo nightclub was operating without an alcohol license. Sheriff Ritchie has indicated that this operation may lead to further enforcement actions in collaboration with both state and federal agencies, igniting discussions about the implications for community safety and trust in law enforcement.

The community’s concerns extend beyond the immediate raid, as local leaders have been vocal in calling for an end to the sheriff’s collaboration with ICE, suggesting that such partnerships do not enhance public safety and create a culture of fear among immigrants. There are unaddressed questions surrounding the operational details of the raid, including the number of deputies involved, the financial impact on taxpayers, and the current status of the detainees.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Carolina has requested records from the sheriff’s office regarding the operation but has not received any responses. This lack of transparency has further fueled anxiety within the community about law enforcement practices and accountability.

Prior to this raid, law enforcement had made 14 visits to the Alamo nightclub for various incidents since early 2020, underscoring an ongoing concern regarding the establishment. Among the arrested individuals were two identified as high-level cartel members, along with another individual wanted by Interpol for murder in Honduras, highlighting the complexity of criminal activities linked to the location.

As conversations about immigration policies and enforcement strategies continue, community members remain critical of tactics that may disproportionately affect immigrant populations. The raid at the Alamo nightclub has spotlighted the need for open dialogue between law enforcement and the communities they serve, signifying an urgent call for a reevaluation of local and federal cooperation on immigration control.

The situation in Charleston County serves as a significant reference point in the broader context of immigration policy enforcement in the United States and the evolving dynamics between local law enforcement agencies and immigrant communities.