North Carolina Legislature Approves ICE Cooperation Bill, Sends to Governor Stein

The North Carolina General Assembly has approved Senate Bill 153, which mandates several state agencies, including the State Bureau of Investigation, State Highway Patrol, and Department of Adult Corrections, to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and enter into formal agreements. The bill also requires local law enforcement to notify ICE about certain detainees, expands the range of crimes that trigger ICE notification under House Bill 318, and restricts benefits like housing assistance, Medicaid, and unemployment for undocumented immigrants. Republican lawmakers argue the legislation ensures tax dollars support American families and strengthens immigration law enforcement, while Democrats warn it will harm immigrant families, particularly those with American children, and discourage access to entitled services. The legislation allows cities, counties, and the UNC system to be sued for failing to cooperate with ICE, with the State Auditor tasked to investigate compliance. Protests have occurred against the bills, expressing concern over their impact on Black, Brown, and working-class communities. The measures now await Governor Josh Stein's signature, setting up a potential veto battle between the Republican-led legislature and the Democratic governor.