Key Takeaways
• North Carolina passed Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 318 on June 10, 2025, tightening immigration enforcement.
• Bills require law enforcement cooperation with ICE, restrict benefits for undocumented immigrants, and increase immigration status checks.
• Governor Josh Stein has until June 20, 2025, to sign or veto these laws shaping state immigration policy.
Hundreds Rally in Raleigh as North Carolina General Assembly Passes Tough New Immigration Bills
On June 10, 2025, the North Carolina General Assembly passed two major immigration bills—Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 318—sparking protests, heated debate, and uncertainty for thousands of families across the state. About 200 demonstrators gathered in Raleigh’s Moore Square, voicing their concerns about what these new laws could mean for immigrant communities, law enforcement, and the state’s future.
What Happened and Why It Matters
The North Carolina General Assembly, the state’s main lawmaking body, approved Senate Bill 153 (the North Carolina Border Protection Act) and House Bill 318 (the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act) in a move that supporters say will make the state safer. Critics, however, warn that these measures could create fear, divide communities, and lead to more deportations—even for people with deep roots in North Carolina.
Both bills now sit on Governor Josh Stein’s desk. He has until June 20, 2025, to sign them into law or issue a veto. This decision will shape how North Carolina handles immigration enforcement for years to come.
Key Details of Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 318
Let’s break down what each bill does and why they’re drawing so much attention.
Senate Bill 153: North Carolina Border Protection Act
- Requires state and local law enforcement to work with ICE: Police and sheriff’s offices must help Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when asked, especially when dealing with people suspected of being in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status.
- Allows lawsuits against “sanctuary” communities: Cities or counties that refuse to help ICE could be sued by the state or private citizens.
- Bars UNC schools from blocking ICE: Public universities in the University of North Carolina system cannot stop ICE from coming onto campus or carrying out immigration enforcement.
- Prohibits benefits for undocumented immigrants: People without legal status would not be able to receive certain state benefits or housing help.
House Bill 318: Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act
- Expands when police must check immigration status: Officers must check the citizenship status of anyone charged with a felony, a Class A-1 misdemeanor (the most serious kind), or driving while impaired (DWI).
- Requires sheriffs to work with ICE: Builds on earlier laws by making it clear that sheriff’s offices must help ICE when they have someone in custody who may be undocumented.
- Mandates holding people for ICE: If someone is found to be undocumented, law enforcement must hold them for at least 48 hours so ICE can decide whether to start deportation.
Why Now? The Political and Social Context
These bills come at a time when immigration is a hot topic across the United States 🇺🇸. Many states are passing laws to increase cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Supporters say these steps are needed to keep communities safe and make sure people who break the law face consequences.
Senate Leader Phil Berger, a strong backer of both bills, said, “We cannot tolerate criminal illegal aliens in our communities.” He argues that the new laws will help remove people who commit crimes and are in the country without permission.
But not everyone agrees. Democratic Senator Sophia Chitlik, who voted against the bills, said they “vilify immigrants and make our communities less safe.” She and other critics worry that the laws will make immigrants afraid to report crimes or work with police, which could actually make it harder to keep neighborhoods safe.
Governor Josh Stein’s Decision: What’s Next?
Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, now faces a tough choice. His office says he is reviewing the bills carefully. Stein has said he supports deporting undocumented immigrants who commit crimes, but he has not said whether he will sign or veto these specific bills.
If he vetoes them, the Republican-controlled General Assembly could try to override his veto. That would require a three-fifths majority in both the House and Senate. If they succeed, the bills would become law anyway.
How the New Laws Would Work: Step by Step
If Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 318 become law, here’s what would change for law enforcement, immigrants, and communities:
For Law Enforcement
- Mandatory Cooperation with ICE: Police and sheriff’s offices would have to help ICE when asked. This includes sharing information and holding people in jail if ICE wants to take custody.
- 287(g) Program: Agencies could join a federal program called 287(g), which trains local officers to check immigration status and start deportation proceedings. This program has been controversial in other states, with some saying it leads to racial profiling.
- Expanded Checks: Officers would need to check the citizenship status of anyone charged with a felony, serious misdemeanor, or DWI. This is a big change from current practice, where checks are usually limited to more serious crimes.
For Undocumented Immigrants
- Higher Risk of Deportation: Anyone charged with certain crimes could have their immigration status checked and, if found to be undocumented, be held for ICE. This could lead to more deportations, even for people who have lived in North Carolina for many years.
- Loss of Benefits: The bills would stop undocumented immigrants from getting certain state benefits, including housing help. This could make life harder for families already struggling to make ends meet.
- Fear and Distrust: Many immigrants worry that these laws will make them afraid to call police, even if they are victims of crime, because they fear being reported to ICE.
For Communities
- Possible Increase in Fear: Critics say the bills could make immigrant communities less likely to trust police or report crimes, which could make everyone less safe.
- Lawsuits Against Sanctuary Cities: Cities or counties that try to protect undocumented immigrants could face lawsuits, putting local governments in a tough spot.
What Do the Experts Say?
John Torres, a former top official at ICE, says these bills show a clear shift in policy. “ICE is now working more closely with other federal agencies and local law enforcement than in past years,” he explained. This means more people could be caught up in immigration enforcement, even for minor offenses.
Marin Baena, an advocate for immigrant rights, worries about fairness. “Some people are being deported without a real chance to see a judge or explain their situation,” Baena said. This raises concerns about due process—the basic right to a fair hearing.
Protests and Public Response
The passage of these bills has sparked strong reactions. On June 10, about 200 people gathered in Raleigh’s Moore Square to protest what they see as unfair and harsh treatment of immigrants. Many carried signs calling for dignity and respect for all residents, regardless of immigration status.
Community leaders say these protests show that many North Carolinians want a more welcoming approach. “We are here to support our neighbors and stand up for what’s right,” one protester said.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
North Carolina’s approach to immigration has changed over the years. In the past, some local sheriffs refused to work closely with ICE, saying it hurt trust between police and immigrant communities. But in recent years, the state has moved toward stricter enforcement, following national trends.
The North Carolina General Assembly has passed several laws in the past decade aimed at increasing cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 318 are the latest—and most sweeping—examples.
What Could Happen Next?
The future of these bills depends on Governor Stein’s decision. If he signs them, they will become law right away. If he vetoes them, lawmakers could try to override the veto. If they succeed, the bills would still become law.
Even if the bills become law, they could face legal challenges. Some groups argue that parts of the bills may violate the U.S. Constitution, especially rules about due process and equal protection. Lawsuits could delay or block some parts of the new laws.
Practical Effects: What Should Immigrants and Families Know?
If you or someone you know is affected by these bills, here are some important points:
- If you are charged with a felony, serious misdemeanor, or DWI, your immigration status will be checked.
- If you are found to be undocumented, you could be held for up to 48 hours for ICE to decide whether to start deportation.
- You may lose access to certain state benefits, including housing help, if you do not have legal status.
- If you live in a city or county that tries to limit cooperation with ICE, that community could face lawsuits.
It’s important to know your rights and seek legal help if you are worried about your status. Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal advice for immigrants.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Who Supports and Who Opposes the Bills?
- Supporters: Many Republican lawmakers, including Senate Leader Phil Berger, say the bills will make North Carolina safer by removing people who commit crimes and are in the country without permission. They argue that cooperation with ICE is necessary to enforce the law.
- Opponents: Democratic lawmakers like Senator Sophia Chitlik, immigrant rights groups, and many community leaders say the bills will hurt families, create fear, and make it harder for police to do their jobs. They warn that the laws could lead to racial profiling and unfair treatment.
Legal and Policy Resources
For more information about the North Carolina General Assembly and the status of these bills, you can visit the official website at www.ncleg.gov. This site provides up-to-date information on legislation, bill texts, and contact details for lawmakers.
National Trends and the Bigger Picture
North Carolina is not alone in passing stricter immigration laws. States across the United States 🇺🇸 are debating how much to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Some states have passed laws to protect undocumented immigrants, while others have moved in the opposite direction.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these state-level battles reflect deep divisions in the country over immigration policy. The outcome in North Carolina could influence what happens in other states, especially in the South.
What Should You Do Now?
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from trusted news sources and official government websites.
- Know Your Rights: If you are an immigrant, learn about your rights during police encounters. Many organizations provide resources in multiple languages.
- Contact Lawmakers: If you have strong feelings about these bills, you can contact your representatives in the North Carolina General Assembly to share your views.
- Seek Legal Help: If you or a loved one may be affected, talk to a qualified immigration lawyer. They can explain your options and help you plan for possible changes.
Conclusion: A State at a Crossroads
The passage of Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 318 by the North Carolina General Assembly marks a turning point in the state’s approach to immigration. As Governor Stein weighs his decision, families, law enforcement, and communities across North Carolina are watching closely. The next few weeks will determine whether these tough new laws take effect—and what kind of state North Carolina will be for immigrants and their neighbors.
For official updates and more details about these bills, visit the North Carolina General Assembly’s website.
Learn Today
Senate Bill 153 → A North Carolina law requiring police cooperation with ICE and restricting immigrant benefits.
House Bill 318 → A law expanding immigration status checks on felonies and misdemeanors and mandating ICE holds.
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
287(g) Program → A federal program training local officers to enforce immigration laws in cooperation with ICE.
Sanctuary Communities → Cities or counties that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities to protect undocumented immigrants.
This Article in a Nutshell
On June 10, 2025, North Carolina passed two strict immigration bills requiring police cooperation with ICE and restricting benefits. Governor Stein must decide by June 20, creating uncertainty and sparking protests as the state redefines enforcement and immigrant rights.
— By VisaVerge.com
