North Carolina Governor Josh Stein officially vetoed two controversial bills considered anti-immigrant – SB 153 and HB 318 – on the grounds that they violate constitutional rights and adversely affect the work of law enforcement.
Both legislative initiatives sought to force local authorities to actively collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE), thereby compromising their role in protecting communities without federal bias or interference.
Veto of SB 153
This project required law enforcement officers to act as extensions of ICE.
Including requirements to assist in the detention of persons without lawful immigration status.
The North Carolina governor called this provision an unnecessary burden on local law enforcement agencies.
He noted that it “takes officers away from their actual roles in the community and overburdens them with federal duties that do not pertain to them.”
He also pointed out that there are already restrictions in place that prevent undocumented individuals from accessing social programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, and subsidized housing, which is why he considered the legislation unnecessary and redundant.
Veto of HB 318
The second bill required sheriffs to notify ICE of persons in custody with administrative detainers.
This would involve holding them for up to an additional 48 hours.
The governor of North Carolina vetoed this law arguing that the practice has already been deemed unconstitutional by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Nadie debe ser privado de su libertad por una simple sospecha migratoria
Although he recognized the need to criminally punish serious crimes such as sexual assault or robbery, he reiterated that these processes must follow legal channels without resorting to mechanisms that violate constitutional rights.
What’s next
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Both bills will return to their respective legislative chambers, where they will attempt to override the North Carolina governor’s veto.
For that to happen, at least 72 votes are required in the House of Representatives and 30 in the Senate.
If this is not achieved, the proposals will be officially rejected.
Since days before the veto, community organizations, religious leaders, civil rights advocates, teachers and elected officials – including many of Latino origin – urged the governor to reject both laws.
They highlighted its negative impact on immigrant communities and peaceful coexistence in North Carolina.
In addition to the immigration proposals, Stein vetoed a measure that sought to eliminate the permit requirement to carry concealed weapons.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
