ICE’s Hidden Office Deal in Downtown Columbia Ignites Protest From Community

ICE quietly signed a lease for office space right in the heart of Downtown Columbia, and most of the city only found out when the news broke on February 10, 2026. No announcement. No community briefing. No heads up to city leaders. Just a signed agreement and suddenly a federal immigration enforcement office is setting up shop at 1441 Main Street. There was a protest held by the community to object to their presence in Columbia today around 0530.

From what’s been reported, the federal government finalized a 10-year lease back in October 2025, and not a single city councilperson, the mayor, the city manager, or police officials were told about it ahead of time. 

That lack of transparency didn’t sit well with local leaders. Columbia City Councilman Tyler Bailey said he learned about the ICE office from a news report and feels local officials were completely blindsided. “This is not how government is supposed to work,” Bailey posted online. “The federal government made a deliberate decision to bypass standard procurement procedures and conceal this lease from the public and from the local officials … who are responsible for the safety, well-being and trust of the people in this city.” 

Other state leaders weighed in too. South Carolina Senator Tameika Isaac Devine called the secretive lease approval “unconscionable” and said actions that affect public safety and trust should never be done behind closed doors. Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette expressed a very different view, saying the new ICE office “strengthens our commitment to keeping sanctuary cities and illegal immigrants out of the state” and that “law and order in South Carolina isn’t optional.” 

Once word spread through the community, people showed up. Protesters gathered downtown on Friday evening, holding signs, speaking out, and chanting for hours. Multiple outcries rang through the streets, including this powerful chant heard again and again: “Donald Trump let’s be clear, immigrants are welcome here.”

The energy at the protest wasn’t random chaos. It was organized, loud, and rooted in a sense of protection for neighbors who feel targeted by federal enforcement policies. For a lot of people, this isn’t abstract politics, for some it is. For most, it’s about families, friends, and whether residents within the community feel safe in the city they call home. When decisions that affect everyday life are made behind closed doors, especially involving an agency with the history of ICE, it’s going to spark a reaction.

I don’t like to get too political, but I will say this: it was cool to see the community come together for what they believe is a good cause. Watching people stand up, speak out, and challenge what many see as corrupt government sub-entities says something about Columbia. Whether you agree with the message or not, people showed up.

What do you think about ICE's seemingly sneaky & obviously shaky entrance to Columbia?

Regardless of your political affiliation, peace & love to all.

ALL WORDS & PHOTOS @SAUCEWITHSPOONS