If a bill approved by the N.C. House becomes law, sheriffs and local law enforcement will be required to cooperate with law enforcement.
House Bill 318—The Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act adds to HB 10, which was passed last year and requires law officers to notify Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before illegal immigrants jailed on violent crimes are released. The bill passed 78-45. It now moves to the State Senate, where it is expected to pass. Gov. Josh Stein has all but promised to veto the bill.
The new legislation mandates that law enforcement alerts ICE before an illegal alien criminal suspect is scheduled to be released, according to a press release by Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell). The move is designed to end “dangerous catch-and-release policies designed to provide a safe haven to criminal illegals in Democrat-run jurisdictions.”
“House Bill 318 is about restoring common sense and prioritizing public safety,” Rep. Brenden Jones (R-Columbus) said. “Criminal illegal immigrants should never be released back onto our streets to commit more violent crimes just because a rogue sheriff refuses to cooperate with ICE. This legislation ensures that violent offenders are held accountable.”
“Make no mistake,” Hall said. “When illegal immigrants commit violent crimes and are then released back into our communities, it’s the law-abiding families of North Carolina who pay the price. Sheriffs who refuse to cooperate with ICE are putting the public at risk. This bill ensures that sheriffs do their job: protect citizens, not shield criminals.”
Rep. Carson Smith (R-Pender) said “North Carolina has a duty to protect its citizens first.
“HB 318 strengthens law enforcement’s ability to work with federal immigration authorities and puts an end to reckless sanctuary policies that put our communities at risk.”
“This bill is a strong step forward in making sure criminal illegal aliens don’t get a free pass,” said Rep. Brian Echevarria (R-Cabarrus). “We’re reinforcing our message loud and clear: if you’re here illegally and committing serious crimes, you won’t find sanctuary in North Carolina.”
A vote by the senate has not been scheduled.
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