The North Carolina Senate approved legislation Tuesday requiring all county sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration officials. The House Bill 318, also known as the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act, now heads to Governor Josh Stein to be signed or vetoed.
HB 318 mandates that local law enforcement notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when detainees are about to be released. It expands prior requirements to include all felony charges and Class A1 misdemeanors.
Under the bill, jail staff must bring individuals with ICE detainers before a judge, who could order them held up to 48 hours. Judges would also be required to evaluate immigration status during pretrial hearings.
Senator Thom Tillis’ office says ten North Carolina counties, including Mecklenburg and Watauga, do not currently cooperate with ICE. The law would take effect October 1, 2025, if signed.
