A large-scale nightclub sting operation in Charleston, South Carolina, has left the city’s immigrant community shaken, with 80 people reportedly taken into custody.
The raid happened at La Roka, a nightclub popular among Latino residents, where law enforcement agencies moved in on Saturday night. Now, local immigrant families are scared, unsure of what comes next.
The sting, which took place over the weekend, involved multiple agencies, including the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, ICE, and local police.
While the operation was originally presented as targeting criminal activity, residents and advocacy groups say the fallout has unfairly impacted undocumented immigrants and people just trying to enjoy a night out.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene. Officers reportedly blocked the exits, checked IDs, and took people away in vans. Some people were released later, but many remain in custody. Family members of those arrested have been calling local detention centers and advocacy organizations nonstop, trying to find out where their loved ones are being held.
According to local officials, the sting was aimed at cracking down on illegal activities, including drug trafficking and underage drinking.
However, members of the community say it felt more like a coordinated immigration enforcement effort. People are now afraid to go out, even for basic needs like groceries or doctor visits.
Local organizations such as the Charleston Immigrant Coalition say they’ve been flooded with calls from concerned families.
Many are too afraid to go to work or send their kids to school. The group also reported that several people have gone into hiding, fearing deportation or arrest.
One man who was at the nightclub that night said he was celebrating his cousin’s birthday when officers swarmed the building. He managed to slip out the back, but others weren’t as lucky. “We weren’t doing anything wrong. We were just dancing and having a good time,” he said. “Now everyone is scared.”
While the names of those arrested haven’t been released publicly, ICE confirmed that some detainees were found to be undocumented and are now in immigration proceedings. This only added to the anxiety in the neighborhood, where many families include a mix of citizens, legal residents, and undocumented immigrants.
Some Charleston residents believe the raid was excessive. “If there were issues at the club, then fine, handle them. But going after 80 people in one night? That’s not public safety — that’s intimidation,” said a local business owner who asked not to be named.
Legal experts also weighed in, warning that this kind of law enforcement strategy can have long-term effects on trust in the community. When people are afraid to report crimes or interact with police out of fear of deportation, public safety suffers.
Charleston officials have so far stood by the operation, stating it was a lawful effort to maintain order and enforce regulations.
But critics say the messaging is out of touch with the real fear people are feeling. Churches and community centers have started organizing emergency meetings and legal aid sessions to support those impacted.
Immigration attorneys in the area are now overwhelmed with cases. Some detainees have been transferred to ICE detention centers in other states, making it harder for families to stay in contact or secure representation. Others are waiting for their court hearings while still in local custody.
For now, Charleston’s immigrant community is living in fear and confusion. Parents are avoiding public spaces. Workers are skipping shifts. Even students are choosing to stay home. The sting may have been aimed at one location, but its impact is being felt across the city.
Local advocacy groups are urging Charleston’s leaders to step up and address the panic. They’re calling for transparency, support services, and a commitment to keep families together. Until then, the sense of safety that many immigrants in Charleston once felt has been shaken, possibly for good.