The North Carolina Senate passed a bill along party lines on Tuesday that aims to crack down on state officials who may not be complying with federal immigration policies enacted by the Trump administration.
Sponsored by Senate Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, the North Carolina Border Protection Act, SB 153, passed in a 28-15 vote. It would ensure state law enforcement officials are cooperating with federal immigration laws and that residents are protected from sanctuary city policies.
The General Assembly passed legislation at the end of 2024 that mandated all sheriffs cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a small group of left-leaning counties chose not to honor federal detainers. Under the latest proposal, local governments and universities that fail to comply with state immigration laws will face penalties.
“While Sanctuary City policies are already prohibited in the state, municipalities across the state continue to defy the state law,” a press release reads. “To hold them accountable, any county or municipality that creates Sanctuary Cities will have its local immunity waived, thereby allowing citizens harmed by illegal immigrants to sue them.”
One of the central elements of the bill is increased cooperation between state agencies and ICE. Under the proposed law, several state law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Public Safety, Department of Adult Correction, State Highway Patrol, and State Bureau of Investigation, are required to enter into formal agreements with ICE.
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“It is evident there is a need for change when it comes to sanctuary policies in North Carolina,” said Berger. “The legislature is stepping up to ensure our citizens and communities are safe, but unfortunately Democrats are refusing to address the very real threat illegal immigration poses to our state.”
The legislation now awaits consideration in the House.