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North Carolina Republicans plan to intensify immigration regulations by 2024

Local sheriffs in North Carolina, upon instigation of Republican lawmakers earlier this autumn, are now obligated to collaborate with federal authorities in the apprehension and deportation of specific jail prisoners.

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North Carolina GOP successfully implemented their long-desired policy this autumn, mandating...
North Carolina GOP successfully implemented their long-desired policy this autumn, mandating collaborative action from local sheriffs with federal authorities in the search for and deportation of specific jail detainees.

North Carolina Republicans plan to intensify immigration regulations by 2024

Spice Up the South:North Carolina's Republican legislators are eager to ramp up their immigration policies, aligning with President Trump's hardline stance on immigration.

In a recent vote, the state House approved a bill that would expand the number of criminal categories that local authorities would check for immigration status, potentially leading to deportation. This move comes after Governor Roy Cooper's veto was overridden, resulting in a law enacted in December that compels jails to hold certain inmates for 48 hours if ICE believes they are in the country illegally.

The latest bill also clarifies that jail officials must contact federal immigration agents if they are holding someone with the relevant documents and inform them of the scheduled release. Supporters argue this move will enhance safety in communities, especially considering some sheriffs in Democrat-leaning counties have been disregarding detainers.

Critics, however, view this as another attempt to vilify immigrants, questioning the constitutionality and divisiveness of such measures. In fact, Democrats have often opposed similar proposals since 2019.

One of the key points of contention is Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden's public spat with ICE leaders over whether he must alert agents about people in his jail who are subject to detainers. The bill's advocates claim it resolves this issue, clarifying any potential loopholes and addressing a problematic situation in the state.

The revised law would broaden the list of offenses that trigger immigration checks to include all felonies and impaired-driving offenses. Under the current law, if a jailer determines that ICE has issued a detainer and administrative warrant, the inmate must be taken before a judicial official before they could be released. However, under the new bill, the 48-hour period would begin once the person's scheduled release time has passed.

The bill is now headed to the Senate for consideration. If it passes and makes its way to new Democratic Governor Josh Stein, a veto could be possible, given the Democratic majority in the General Assembly.

Meanwhile, another related bill, House Bill 318, which expands the authority of local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE, has also been passed by the Senate and is awaiting further discussion in the House.

As the immigration debate continues, discussions around sanctuary communities, school authorities and ICE, benefits and housing, and lawsuits are all topics of contention. Keep an eye on these developments in the Tar Heel State.

Enrichment Insights:- The North Carolina Senate has already passed an immigration bill, Senate Bill 153, also known as the "North Carolina Border Protection Act." This bill mandates cooperation between state law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities and includes provisions for lawsuits against sanctuary communities, obstruction of ICE operations in UNC system schools, and bans on benefits and housing assistance to individuals in the country illegally.

  • Governor Josh Stein, if the bill is passed by both chambers, will have 10 days to decide whether to sign or veto it.
  • Another related bill, House Bill 318, which expands the authority of local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE, has also been passed by the Senate and awaits further discussion in the House.
  1. The North Carolina Senate has already passed an immigration bill called the "North Carolina Border Protection Act" (Senate Bill 153), which mandates cooperation between state law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities.
  2. If both chambers pass the immigration bill, Governor Josh Stein will have 10 days to decide whether to sign or veto it.
  3. Another bill, House Bill 318, which expands the authority of local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE, has also been passed by the Senate and awaits further discussion in the House.
  4. The general-news and crime-and-justice sectors are rife with debates surrounding sanctuary communities, school authorities and ICE, benefits and housing, and potential lawsuits, as the immigration issue continues to unfold in the Tar Heel State.

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