North Carolina Republicans Push for Trump’s Immigration Agenda

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Republicans are taking bold steps to align state policies with President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda, seeking to compel Democratic Governor Josh Stein to support initiatives aimed at tightening immigration enforcement. The North Carolina Senate advanced legislation this week aimed at requiring cooperation with federal immigration authorities despite opposition from Democrats.

The legislation would mandate that law enforcement agencies under Gov. Stein’s purview, including the State Bureau of Investigation and Department of Public Safety, participate in the 287(g) program. This program enables local law enforcement to be trained to identify and interrogate individuals regarding their immigration status. This move is part of a broader strategy by Republicans to bolster Trump’s controversial immigration policies within the state.

Senator Buck Newton, who sponsored the bill, stated, “North Carolina made it very clear in November that they support Donald J. Trump. Part of the reason for that support is his steadfast commitment to regaining control of our borders. We need to take further steps.” The GOP’s push reflects their desire to enforce stricter immigration policies following Trump’s electoral successes in the state.

The legislation also tasks Stein’s budget office with assessing whether individuals residing in the country unlawfully are improperly receiving state benefits. Another bill, tentatively approved by the Senate, proposes to limit Attorney General Jeff Jackson‘s ability to litigate against any Trump administration policies, aiming to restrict his legal authority following an established pattern of challenging federal actions.

Republicans express concern over Jackson’s recent legal actions against Trump’s directives, asserting that the state Constitution allows lawmakers to define the scope of the attorney general’s responsibilities. Senate leader Phil Berger remarked, “Jackson is fighting against policies that the people of the state heard articulated by President Trump and voted for.”

On the other hand, Democrats argue that the proposed restrictions dilute the independence of the Attorney General’s office. Senator Graig Meyer countered, “The only reason you would want to stop the state of North Carolina from suing over possibly unconstitutional executive orders is if you want the president to be treated like a king.” This assertion highlights the tension between state lawmakers and the executive branch under Stein.

Jackson’s spokesperson criticized the move as detrimental to the state’s interests, stating, “Legislation that undermines the independence of the Attorney General’s Office is bad for our state and its people.”

Despite potential pushback, legislative actions have garnered traction throughout the country, with multiple states pursuing similar agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of Trump’s broader enforcement strategies. Recent analyses indicate that legislation encouraging such collaborations has been filed in over a dozen states this year.

As speculation mounts, Governor Stein’s stance on the immigration bill remains cautious. He asserted that individuals in the country unlawfully who commit violent crimes will be accountable under the law and face deportation. However, he emphasized the necessity of federal legislation that includes pathways to citizenship for long-term, law-abiding residents.

The response from pro-immigrant advocates, such as Mario Alfaro from the organization El Pueblo, condemned the bill, arguing it would create distrust and heighten insecurity in communities already wary of strict immigration enforcement: “Instead of protecting the state’s citizens, it will create distrust and increase insecurity for everyone.”

The legislation’s pathway in the North Carolina General Assembly is uncertain, as it requires approval from the House. Republicans there hold a narrow majority, potentially allowing Democratic opposition to thwart any veto. As the political landscape evolves, the unfolding actions in North Carolina may serve as a watershed moment for state-level immigration policies in the Trump era.