North Carolina House Overrides Governor’s Veto on Immigration Bill
The Republican-majority House of Representatives in North Carolina has successfully overridden the Democratic governor’s veto of a bill mandating cooperation between law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Under this legislation, cities identified as “sanctuary” will face penalties for non-compliance.
On Wednesday, the House approved the North Carolina Border Protection Act (SB153), despite opposition from Governor Stein, who vetoed it last June after it had been passed by the Legislature in late 2024. After numerous attempts to bring it back up for a vote over the past year, the bill has finally managed to gather enough support to override the veto.
This new law aims to enhance collaboration between state law enforcement and federal immigration officials by requiring state agencies to partner with ICE and other authorities to track undocumented individuals. It also holds local governments accountable for sanctuary policies and establishes sanctions for those that do not comply with federal cooperation guidelines.
Senator Phil Berger, a Republican who sponsored the bill, expressed support for the override, stating on social media that Congress is taking “decisive action” against sanctuary policies and illegal immigration.
The Franklin County Republican Party noted that the new law is expected to “save lives.”
In addition, Indiana has also enacted a similar immigration bill that requires state law enforcement to work with federal immigration enforcement. This legislation, passed in February, is known as Senate Registration Act 76, or the Fairness Act, which mandates state compliance with federal immigration detainers. The governor signed off on it in March, and it is currently in effect as Public Law 106.
This law in Indiana stipulates that employers must only hire individuals legally permitted to work in the U.S., imposing penalties on those who knowingly hire unauthorized workers. Employers violating this law may face business license suspensions among other consequences. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has warned that the Fairness Act will fully take effect on July 1, with his office intensifying efforts to address violations, stating that they would be monitoring hiring practices more closely.
