Latino Officials Urge Governor Stein to Veto NC ICE Bills

Key Takeaways

• Fifteen Latino officials urged Governor Stein to veto House Bill 318 and Senate Bill 153 by June 20, 2025.
• Bills mandate ICE cooperation, ban benefits for undocumented immigrants, and punish sanctuary policies in North Carolina.
• Opponents warn bills increase deportations, reduce trust in police, and harm immigrant communities statewide.

On June 16, 2025, a group of 15 Latino elected officials from North Carolina sent a formal letter to Governor Josh Stein, urging him to veto two controversial immigration enforcement bills—House Bill 318 and Senate Bill 153. These bills, which passed the North Carolina General Assembly last week, are now on Governor Stein’s desk. He must decide by June 20, 2025 whether to sign, veto, or let them become law without his signature. The Latino officials argue that these bills would criminalize immigrants, divide communities, and damage trust between local law enforcement and the people they serve.

This moment is a turning point for immigration policy in North Carolina. The outcome will affect thousands of immigrant families, local governments, and law enforcement agencies across the state. It also highlights the growing political influence of Latino elected officials and the deep divisions over immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸.

What Are House Bill 318 and Senate Bill 153?

House Bill 318 and Senate Bill 153 are designed to increase cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Here are the main points of these bills:

• Require sheriffs and state law enforcement agencies to cooperate with ICE. This means local police would have to hold people for ICE if asked, and share information about people in their custody.
• Ban undocumented immigrants from receiving certain state benefits. This could include things like state-funded health care or other public programs.
• Punish local governments that have “sanctuary” policies. Sanctuary policies are local rules that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The bills would penalize cities or counties that try to protect undocumented immigrants from ICE.

Supporters of the bills, mostly Republican lawmakers, say these steps are needed for public safety and to make sure local agencies follow federal law. Opponents, including Latino elected officials and civil rights groups, warn that the bills would hurt immigrant communities and make everyone less safe.

Why Are Latino Elected Officials Speaking Out?

The letter to Governor Josh Stein was signed by 15 Latino elected officials, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board member Liz Monterrey and Mecklenburg County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell. These officials represent a growing Latino community in North Carolina and are using their voices to speak up for immigrant families.

In their letter, the officials said the bills would “criminalize immigrants, divide our communities, and undermine trust in law enforcement.” They argue that when people are afraid of being reported to ICE, they are less likely to call the police—even if they are victims or witnesses of crime. This, they say, makes everyone less safe.

The officials also point out that many immigrants contribute to North Carolina’s economy and communities. They worry that these bills would send a message that immigrants are not welcome, even if they have lived in the state for years.

What Happens Next? Governor’s Deadline and Options

Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, has until June 20, 2025 to decide what to do with the bills. He has three options:

1. Sign the bills into law.
2. Veto the bills.
3. Take no action. If he does nothing, the bills automatically become law after the deadline.

If Governor Stein vetoes the bills, the legislature can try to override his veto. This requires a three-fifths majority in both the House and Senate. Since the bills passed mostly along party lines, it’s possible—but not certain—that lawmakers could override a veto.

As of June 19, 2025, Governor Stein’s office has said only that it is reviewing the legislation. He has not made any public statements about these specific bills.

What Would the Bills Mean for Immigrant Communities?

If House Bill 318 and Senate Bill 153 become law, the impact on immigrant communities in North Carolina could be serious. Here are some of the main concerns:

• Increased risk of detention and deportation. Undocumented immigrants would be more likely to be held for ICE and possibly deported, even for minor offenses.
• Fear of law enforcement. Many immigrants might avoid calling the police or reporting crimes, worried that any contact could lead to ICE involvement.
• Loss of state benefits. Some undocumented residents could lose access to important state programs, making it harder for families to get health care or other help.
• Community division. The bills could create more tension between immigrant communities and the rest of the population, making it harder for everyone to work together.

Civil rights groups, including the Legal Aid Justice Center and the ACLU, have warned that similar laws in other states have led to less trust in police and more fear among immigrants. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these kinds of policies often make it harder for police to solve crimes, because people are afraid to come forward as witnesses or victims.

How Would Local Governments and Law Enforcement Be Affected?

The bills would also have big effects on local governments and law enforcement agencies:

• Mandated cooperation with ICE. Sheriffs and police would have to hold people for ICE and share information, even if they believe it hurts their relationship with the community.
• Penalties for sanctuary policies. Cities and counties that try to limit cooperation with ICE could lose state funding or face other punishments.
• Increased administrative work. Law enforcement agencies would have to spend more time and resources dealing with ICE requests, which could take away from other police work.

Some sheriffs, especially in urban areas, have opposed mandatory ICE cooperation in the past. They argue that local law enforcement should focus on keeping their communities safe, not acting as immigration agents.

What Do Supporters of the Bills Say?

Republican lawmakers who support House Bill 318 and Senate Bill 153 argue that these measures are needed to protect public safety. They say that local governments should not be allowed to block cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Supporters believe that making sure everyone follows the same rules will help prevent crime and keep dangerous people off the streets.

They also argue that the bills are about following the law. If federal immigration law says someone should be detained or deported, they believe local agencies should help enforce those rules.

What Do Civil Rights Groups and Advocacy Organizations Say?

Civil rights groups and advocacy organizations strongly oppose the bills. They warn that forcing local police to work with ICE will make immigrant communities less safe. When people are afraid to talk to the police, crimes go unreported and unsolved.

The Legal Aid Justice Center, which has worked on similar issues in Virginia, points out that these kinds of laws put a lot of pressure on local governments. In Virginia, a similar bill was rejected by the legislature, but the governor issued an executive order requiring state cooperation with ICE. This led to confusion and fear in many communities.

The ACLU and other groups also warn that these laws can lead to racial profiling, where people are targeted by police because of how they look or speak, not because they have done anything wrong.

How Did We Get Here? Background and National Context

The debate over ICE cooperation bills is not new. Across the United States 🇺🇸, states have been passing—or trying to pass—laws that require local police to work more closely with federal immigration authorities. These efforts are often aimed at stopping sanctuary policies, which are local rules that limit cooperation with ICE.

In North Carolina, similar bills have been proposed before, but they have faced legal and political challenges. Many urban sheriffs have resisted, saying they want to build trust with all members of their communities, including immigrants.

In Virginia, a similar bill (SB 1141) was rejected by the legislature in 2025. However, Governor Youngkin issued an executive order that required state agencies to cooperate with ICE and encouraged local agencies to join the 287(g) program. This program allows local officers to act as federal immigration agents. The move was controversial and led to protests and legal challenges.

What Are the Practical Steps if the Bills Become Law?

If Governor Stein signs the bills or allows them to become law, here’s what would happen next:

1. State and local agencies would need to change their policies. Police departments and sheriff’s offices would have to start following the new rules for working with ICE.
2. Local governments would have to review their sanctuary policies. Any city or county with rules that limit ICE cooperation could face penalties.
3. Undocumented immigrants could lose access to state benefits. Agencies that provide health care or other services would have to check immigration status more closely.
4. Legal challenges are likely. Civil rights groups have already said they will go to court if the bills become law.

If Governor Stein vetoes the bills, the legislature could try to override his veto. This would require a three-fifths majority in both chambers. The outcome would depend on whether lawmakers stick to party lines or if some change their votes.

Who Are the Key Stakeholders?

Here’s a look at the main groups involved and their positions:

• Latino Elected Officials: Strongly oppose the bills. They say the laws would criminalize immigrants and hurt community trust.
• Republican Lawmakers: Support the bills. They argue the laws are needed for public safety and to make sure everyone follows federal law.
• Civil Rights Groups: Oppose the bills. They warn about harm to civil liberties and the risk of racial profiling.
• Law Enforcement: Mixed views. Some sheriffs support the bills, but others, especially in cities, worry about losing trust with immigrant communities.

What Are the Broader Implications?

The outcome of this debate will have big effects not just in North Carolina, but across the country. Immigration remains a deeply divisive issue in the United States 🇺🇸, and what happens in one state often influences others.

If the bills become law, North Carolina could see:

• More legal battles over immigration enforcement.
• Increased fear and division in immigrant communities.
• Possible resistance from local officials who disagree with the new rules.

If the bills are vetoed or blocked, supporters may try again in the future, especially as immigration continues to be a key issue in state and national elections.

What Should Immigrants and Advocates Do Now?

For immigrants and their families, it’s important to stay informed about the latest developments. Here are some practical steps:

• Follow updates from trusted sources. The North Carolina General Assembly website (ncleg.gov) posts the latest information on bills and laws.
• Contact local officials. Many Latino elected officials are speaking out and can provide guidance or support.
• Know your rights. Civil rights groups like the ACLU and Legal Aid Justice Center offer resources for immigrants facing ICE enforcement.
• Prepare for possible changes. If the bills become law, some people may need to update their paperwork or seek legal advice.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for North Carolina?

All eyes are now on Governor Josh Stein. His decision, expected by June 20, 2025, will shape the future of immigration policy in North Carolina. If he signs or allows the bills to become law, legal challenges and community protests are likely. If he vetoes, the fight may move back to the legislature.

No matter what happens, the debate over immigration enforcement is far from over. Latino elected officials, advocacy groups, and community leaders will continue to play a key role in shaping policy and protecting the rights of all North Carolinians.

For more information on immigration enforcement and your rights, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official website, which provides up-to-date details on federal immigration policies and procedures.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the controversy over House Bill 318 and Senate Bill 153 is a sign of the ongoing struggle over immigration in the United States 🇺🇸. The decisions made in North Carolina this week will have lasting effects for years to come, both for immigrants and for the state as a whole.

Learn Today

House Bill 318 → A North Carolina bill requiring local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE and restricting immigrants’ benefits.
Senate Bill 153 → Companion bill to HB 318 enforcing ICE cooperation and penalizing sanctuary jurisdictions in North Carolina.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
Sanctuary policies → Local rules limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities to protect undocumented immigrants.
Veto → Governor’s power to reject legislation, preventing it from becoming law unless overridden by the legislature.

This Article in a Nutshell

North Carolina faces a critical decision on immigration enforcement bills backed by Republicans but opposed by Latino officials. These laws could increase ICE cooperation and deportations, risking community trust and public safety. Governor Stein’s June 20 deadline will determine the state’s approach to immigrant rights and law enforcement cooperation.
— By VisaVerge.com