Sanctuary City and State Status in North Carolina for Undocumented Immigrants in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Senate Bill 153, vetoed by Governor Stein, mandates ICE cooperation and bans sanctuary campuses in North Carolina.
• Seven North Carolina counties are designated sanctuary jurisdictions by DHS and Senator Tillis as of 2025.
• Undocumented immigrants face restricted benefits, higher detention risk, and legal uncertainty amid shifting policies.

The purpose of this analysis is to provide a clear, detailed examination of the sanctuary city landscape in North Carolina, focusing on the current status in 2025, the impact of Senate Bill 153, and the protections or policies in place for undocumented immigrants. This report aims to help readers understand the legal, social, and practical realities facing immigrants, local governments, and institutions in North Carolina. The scope includes recent legislative changes, local and federal designations, practical effects on daily life, and the outlook for future policy shifts.

Methodology

This analysis draws exclusively from recent legislative records, official statements, and authoritative government sources. It reviews the text and status of Senate Bill 153 and related bills, federal and state lists of sanctuary jurisdictions, and statements from key stakeholders. Data is presented in tables and bullet points to improve clarity. The report also compares North Carolina’s approach to sanctuary city policies with broader national trends, highlighting patterns and potential outcomes. All information is based on the most current developments as of July 8, 2025.

Key Findings

• Senate Bill 153 (the “North Carolina Border Protection Act”) has passed the House but is not yet law due to a veto by Governor Josh Stein. The bill would require state law enforcement to cooperate with ICE, allow lawsuits against sanctuary cities, and bar universities from providing sanctuary.
• Several counties in North Carolina, including Buncombe, Chatham, Durham, Orange, Mecklenburg, Guilford, and Wake, are designated as sanctuary jurisdictions by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and state officials.
• Undocumented immigrants in North Carolina face strict limits on access to public benefits, increased risk of detention and deportation, and uncertainty due to ongoing legislative and enforcement actions.
• Local governments and universities are caught between conflicting state and federal mandates, leading to policy confusion and legal challenges.
• The situation remains fluid, with the possibility of legislative overrides, continued federal pressure, and legal challenges from civil rights groups.

Data Presentation and Visual Overview

Table 1: Key Policies and Status in North Carolina (July 8, 2025)

This table summarizes the current legislative and policy landscape, showing which measures are in effect, which are pending, and the practical implications for affected groups.

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Sanctuary City Status in North Carolina

A sanctuary city is a local government that limits its cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. In North Carolina, the term “sanctuary city” is not officially recognized in state law, but several counties have adopted policies that restrict their involvement with ICE beyond what is required by state law. As of May 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security listed Buncombe, Chatham, Durham, and Orange counties as sanctuary jurisdictions. U.S. Senator Thom Tillis added Mecklenburg, Guilford, and Wake counties to this list.

These counties typically:

• Do not honor ICE detainers unless required by law
• Limit communication with ICE about detainees’ immigration status
• Refuse to use local resources for federal immigration enforcement

Trend: The number of sanctuary jurisdictions in North Carolina has remained stable, but these counties face increasing pressure from both state and federal governments to change their policies.

Senate Bill 153: Scope and Impact

Senate Bill 153, known as the “North Carolina Border Protection Act,” represents a significant push to end sanctuary city policies in the state. The bill would:

• Require state law enforcement agencies (such as the State Highway Patrol and Department of Public Safety) to sign 287(g) agreements with ICE, making officers act as immigration agents.
• Allow victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants to sue local governments that have sanctuary policies.
• Ban UNC system campuses from obstructing ICE enforcement or offering sanctuary to undocumented students.
• Prohibit state-funded benefits and housing assistance for undocumented immigrants.

Pattern: This bill reflects a broader national trend of states seeking to force local governments to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, often by threatening legal or financial penalties.

House Bill 318 and Law Enforcement Procedures

House Bill 318 builds on House Bill 10 (passed in 2024), which already requires sheriffs to check the immigration status of detainees charged with certain violent offenses and to hold them for up to 48 hours for ICE. House Bill 318 would:

• Expand the list of offenses requiring immigration status checks to include all felonies, A1 misdemeanors, impaired driving, fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and theft.
• Require fingerprinting and ICE notification if status cannot be confirmed.
• Allow a two-hour detention for ICE to issue a detainer, with release if no detainer is issued.

Trend: These measures are part of a growing effort to involve local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement, increasing the risk of detention and deportation for undocumented immigrants.

Protections and Policies for Undocumented Immigrants

Undocumented immigrants in North Carolina have limited protections. They are generally ineligible for most public benefits, except for emergency medical care and public education for children. Recent legislative proposals seek to further restrict access to benefits and housing assistance.

Pattern: The state is moving toward even stricter limits on support for undocumented immigrants, reflecting a national shift toward more restrictive policies.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

1. Sanctuary City Policies Remain in Place, but Under Threat

Despite pressure from state and federal officials, several North Carolina counties continue to limit cooperation with ICE. These sanctuary city policies are not illegal under current state law, but Senate Bill 153 and similar measures aim to eliminate them. If the legislature overrides Governor Stein’s veto, these policies could be dismantled quickly.

2. Legislative Uncertainty Creates Instability

The status of Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 318 is uncertain. Both bills have passed at least one chamber but have been vetoed or are awaiting further action. This creates confusion for local governments, universities, and immigrant communities, who must prepare for possible changes at any time.

3. Increased Risk for Undocumented Immigrants

If new laws are enacted, undocumented immigrants will face:

• Greater risk of detention and deportation due to mandatory cooperation between law enforcement and ICE
• Loss of access to essential services such as housing assistance and some state-funded benefits
• Heightened fear and uncertainty in daily life, especially in sanctuary jurisdictions

4. Legal and Financial Risks for Local Governments

Sanctuary jurisdictions could face lawsuits from crime victims and potential loss of federal funding. Local governments must balance compliance with state and federal mandates against the needs and safety of their communities.

5. Ongoing Legal and Political Battles

Civil rights groups, such as the ACLU of North Carolina, are likely to challenge any new laws in court, arguing that they violate constitutional rights and federal preemption. The outcome of these legal battles will shape the future of sanctuary city policies in North Carolina.

Limitations of This Analysis

• The legislative situation is fluid; bills may be amended, vetoed, or overridden at any time.
• Data on the number of undocumented immigrants affected by these policies is estimated and may not capture all impacts.
• The analysis focuses on North Carolina and may not reflect trends in other states.
• Official government links, such as the North Carolina General Assembly website, provide the most up-to-date information on bill status and legislative developments.

Step-by-Step Procedures for Law Enforcement and Universities

For Law Enforcement (House Bill 10 and Proposed House Bill 318):

1. Arrest or Charge: An individual is arrested or charged with a qualifying offense.
2. Immigration Status Check: Officers check the person’s immigration status.
3. ICE Notification: If status is unclear, ICE is contacted.
4. Detention: The person is held for up to two hours for ICE to issue a detainer.
5. ICE Detainer: If a detainer is issued, the person is held for up to 48 hours; if not, they are released.

For Universities (Proposed Senate Bill 153):

1. Policy Review: UNC campuses review policies to ensure compliance with state law.
2. Enforcement: Campus police and administrators cannot interfere with ICE enforcement.

Multiple Perspectives

Pro-Enforcement View: Supporters of Senate Bill 153 and similar measures argue that strict enforcement is necessary to protect public safety and uphold the law. They point to concerns about crime and drug trafficking linked to undocumented immigrants.

Civil Rights View: Opponents, including the ACLU of North Carolina, argue that these laws harm immigrant communities, separate families, and erode trust between police and the public. They stress the economic and social contributions of immigrants and warn of overreach.

Economic Impact: North Carolina’s economy relies on nearly one million immigrants, including about 325,000 undocumented individuals. Mass deportation or restrictive policies could hurt industries such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality.

Practical Implications for Stakeholders

Undocumented Immigrants:

• Increased risk of detention and deportation
• Limited access to services and benefits
• Greater fear and uncertainty

Local Governments:

• Legal and financial risks from lawsuits and potential loss of funding
• Need to adjust policies to comply with changing laws

Universities:

• Pressure to comply with state mandates
• Potential loss of ability to protect undocumented students

Future Outlook

• The North Carolina General Assembly may attempt to override Governor Stein’s veto, which would require a supermajority.
• The Trump administration is expected to continue pressuring sanctuary jurisdictions through executive orders and public statements.
• Legal challenges from civil rights groups are likely, with courts expected to play a key role in determining the future of these policies.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing debate over sanctuary city policies in North Carolina reflects a broader national struggle over immigration enforcement, local autonomy, and the rights of undocumented immigrants.

Actionable Takeaways

• For Immigrants: Stay informed about changes in local and state laws. Seek legal advice if you are at risk of detention or deportation.
• For Local Governments: Monitor legislative developments and review policies to ensure compliance with state and federal mandates.
• For Universities: Prepare for possible changes in state law that could affect undocumented students and campus policies.
• For Advocates: Engage with organizations such as the ACLU of North Carolina for updates and support.

For the latest information on North Carolina immigration laws and sanctuary city status, visit the North Carolina General Assembly website.

In summary, North Carolina’s sanctuary city landscape is marked by ongoing legislative battles, shifting policies, and significant uncertainty for undocumented immigrants and the communities that support them. The outcome of these debates will have lasting effects on public safety, civil rights, and the state’s economy. Stakeholders should remain alert to new developments and seek reliable information from official sources as the situation evolves.

Learn Today

Sanctuary City → Local jurisdiction limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
Senate Bill 153 → North Carolina bill requiring law enforcement ICE cooperation and banning sanctuary policies on campuses.
ICE Detainer → Federal request to local authorities to hold an individual for immigration enforcement investigation.
287(g) Agreement → Contract allowing local law enforcement to perform immigration enforcement under federal supervision.
House Bill 318 → Proposed NC bill expanding immigration status checks and detainment for additional offenses.

This Article in a Nutshell

North Carolina’s sanctuary city policies face legislative challenges with Senate Bill 153 vetoed. Several counties remain sanctuary jurisdictions, while undocumented immigrants experience limited protections and growing enforcement risks, reflecting a complex interplay between local autonomy and state-federal pressures in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com