North Carolina’s Immigration Enforcement Battle: Senate Pushes to Override Governor’s Veto
North Carolina’s political scene is heating up as the state Senate took a major step Tuesday in its ongoing tug-of-war over immigration enforcement laws. In a party-line vote, Senate Republicans moved to override Governor Josh Stein’s veto of Senate Bill 153 — a law aimed at expanding cooperation between state law enforcement agencies and the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. This marks the beginning of a potentially intense showdown over how North Carolina handles illegal immigration.
What’s the Deal with SB 153?
Known officially as the North Carolina Border Protection Act, SB 153 was introduced earlier this year by Senate leader Phil Berger. The bill builds on a 2022 law (House Bill 10) that required all 100 county sheriffs in the state to honor detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). But SB 153 takes it further — it would bring state agencies, including the Departments of Adult Correction, Public Safety, the State Highway Patrol, and the State Bureau of Investigation, into the fold.
The bill mandates these agencies participate in the federal 287(g) program, allowing state and local officers to act as federal immigration agents under ICE supervision and training. Essentially, North Carolina law enforcement would play a bigger role in identifying and detaining unauthorized immigrants.
Governor Stein vetoed the bill, arguing it would pull law enforcement officers away from crucial state duties, stretching resources too thin. “At a time when our law enforcement is already stretched thin,” Stein said, “this bill forces them to act as federal immigration agents.”
Senate Republicans Rally Behind Border Enforcement
Despite Stein’s veto, Senate Republicans control a powerful supermajority — three-fifths of the chamber — which they need to override the veto. And on Tuesday, they did just that in a straight party-line vote. The bill now heads back to the House, where Republicans are just one seat shy of the 72 votes required to override the governor’s veto.
Senator Paul Newton, a Republican from Wilson County, emphasized the political pressure driving this effort:
“Last November, North Carolinians made it clear they want action on the border crisis and illegal immigration... and we need to take it a step further.”
This comment reflects the GOP’s broader narrative: They say the state must assist the federal government — in particular, the Trump administration — in its immigration enforcement efforts.
Democrats Push Back: “It’s About Fear, Not Safety”
On the other side, Democrats slammed the bill as unnecessarily punitive and intimidating. Senator Natalie Murdock of Durham County argued that the legislation is less about public safety and more about “intimidation” tactics.
“This bill is about fear-mongering and targeting vulnerable people who come to North Carolina seeking a better life,” she said.
Critics say the bill will force local law enforcement to take on additional duties that create fear in immigrant communities and discourage cooperation with police.
Key Provisions of SB 153
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Mandatory participation in ICE’s 287(g) program for several state agencies.
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Blocking unauthorized immigrants from receiving state-funded benefits, such as housing assistance and unemployment benefits — though many are already ineligible under federal rules.
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Potential lawsuits against local governments that adopt sanctuary policies if a crime is committed by an undocumented immigrant in their area.
This last provision is particularly notable because it puts local governments on the defensive if they pursue policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
The House Vote: A Tougher Challenge for Republicans
While the Senate easily mustered the votes to override, the House is a different story. GOP lawmakers are short by one vote to hit the 72-seat threshold necessary for an override. Republicans plan to convene later this week to push through multiple vetoed bills, including SB 153.
To succeed, the GOP will likely need at least one Democrat to break ranks or rely on Democratic absences. The partisan split over immigration enforcement runs deep — when SB 153 passed both chambers before the veto, it was strictly along party lines with no Democratic support.
Another Immigration Bill: House Bill 318
Republicans may have an easier time with House Bill 318, which strengthens last year’s ICE cooperation law focusing on sheriffs. This bill requires sheriffs to notify ICE before releasing anyone wanted by immigration authorities and to check the immigration status of those charged with felonies or DUI offenses — broadening the scope from just violent crimes.
This bill already earned the support of Democrat Rep. Carla Cunningham of Charlotte, who is expected to join Republicans in the override vote. That bipartisan support could be crucial for the GOP.
Governor Stein vetoed HB 318 too, though he said he supports notifying ICE about violent and dangerous offenders. His main objection was to requiring sheriffs to hold people past their release date solely based on ICE detainers, which he argued was unconstitutional.
Why the Big Deal Over ICE Detainers?
ICE detainers are requests asking local law enforcement to hold someone for up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release to allow federal immigration officials to take custody. Supporters say these detainers help remove criminals who are in the country illegally.
Opponents say they lead to constitutional issues, including prolonged detention without a warrant, and can harm trust between immigrant communities and police. This debate sits at the heart of the immigration enforcement dispute in North Carolina and across the country.
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture
North Carolina’s tussle over SB 153 is a microcosm of the national conflict over immigration enforcement and local cooperation with federal authorities. It reflects ongoing tensions between Republican-led pushes for stricter immigration control and Democratic efforts to protect immigrant communities from what they see as harsh and sometimes unconstitutional policies.
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Republicans’ argument: The state must assist the federal government, especially during what they call a “border crisis.” They claim these laws promote public safety by helping to remove dangerous criminals.
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Democrats’ counterpoint: These laws spread fear, strain local law enforcement, and target vulnerable populations without improving public safety.
The stakes are high because immigration policy affects not only legal matters but also the everyday lives of thousands of North Carolinians — from immigrant families to local police officers trying to maintain trust and safety.
What to Watch Next
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The House vote on overriding Governor Stein’s veto of SB 153 and other bills this week.
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Whether any Democrats break ranks to join Republicans in the override effort.
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The progress of HB 318 and its potential for bipartisan support.
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How Governor Stein and other state leaders respond if veto overrides succeed.
Quick Recap: Key Points to Know
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SB 153: Expands state law enforcement’s role in federal immigration enforcement under ICE’s 287(g) program.
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Veto override: Senate Republicans successfully overrode Stein’s veto; House vote pending with GOP one seat short.
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Controversy: Supporters see it as necessary for border security; opponents call it fear-driven and harmful to immigrant communities.
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Other bills: HB 318 requires sheriffs to notify ICE before releasing certain detainees and expands immigration checks. Has some Democratic support.
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