North Carolina Senate Panel Expands ICE Detention Requirements Amid Immigration Enforcement Push

North Carolina Republicans are advancing multiple bills aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement and cooperation with ICE, sparking significant Democratic opposition. House Bill 318 mandates sheriffs to verify immigration status for all felony and impaired driving offenses and hold individuals longer for ICE detainers, while Senate Bill 153 requires four state law enforcement agencies to participate in the federal 287(g) program and bars unauthorized immigrants from receiving state benefits. Republicans argue these measures protect public safety and ensure tax dollars serve American families, whereas Democrats contend the laws create a culture of fear, violate constitutional rights, and unfairly target immigrant communities, including families with American children. The bills also expose local governments and universities with sanctuary policies to potential civil lawsuits if they fail to comply with ICE. Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, has not explicitly stated his position but has emphasized protecting residents' rights and safety. These legislative efforts reflect North Carolina's alignment with President Trump's nationwide immigration crackdown policies, setting the stage for a possible veto battle.