North Carolina Passes Tough New Immigration Law After GOP Overrides Governor’s Veto
North Carolina is set to become one of the toughest states on illegal immigration after Republican lawmakers overrode Democrat Gov. Josh Stein’s veto, delivering a major victory for stronger border security and cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The newly approved North Carolina Border Protection Act (Senate Bill 153) expands the state’s role in enforcing immigration laws, increases coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and tightens rules governing taxpayer-funded public benefits.
Supporters say the law will help protect communities, strengthen public safety, and discourage sanctuary-style policies throughout the state. Critics argue it could discourage some immigrants from cooperating with law enforcement.
North Carolina Expands Cooperation With ICE
The legislation requires several major state agencies—including the State Bureau of Investigation, the State Highway Patrol, the Department of Adult Correction, and the Department of Public Safety—to increase coordination with ICE in carrying out immigration enforcement efforts.
State law enforcement officers will also receive specialized training from ICE, allowing qualified officers to assist with certain federal immigration enforcement responsibilities.
Republican lawmakers say the additional cooperation will improve communication between state and federal officials while helping identify individuals who are in the country illegally.
New Citizenship Verification Requirements
The law establishes new procedures whenever someone is taken into custody on criminal charges.
Officers must determine whether the individual is a U.S. citizen or is legally present in the country. If they cannot verify that information, they are required to contact ICE for assistance.
If federal authorities determine that the individual is not legally present in the United States, state and local agencies must provide information requested by ICE as allowed under federal law.
Supporters argue these requirements will help ensure that federal immigration officials are notified when individuals facing criminal charges may also have immigration violations.
Taxpayer-Funded Benefits Face Stricter Verification
The legislation also strengthens eligibility requirements for state-funded public assistance programs.
The Department of Health and Human Services, housing agencies, and the Department of Commerce must verify that benefits such as Medicaid, housing assistance, and unemployment benefits are provided only to U.S. citizens or legal residents whenever federal law permits.
Supporters say the changes will help ensure taxpayer dollars are reserved for people who are legally eligible to receive those benefits.
Sanctuary Jurisdictions Could Lose Legal Protection
One of the law’s most significant provisions targets cities and counties that fail to follow North Carolina’s immigration enforcement requirements.
Local governments found to be operating as sanctuary jurisdictions could lose governmental immunity from certain civil lawsuits if an illegal immigrant commits a crime within their jurisdiction after officials fail to comply with state law.
Republicans say the provision creates greater accountability for local governments that refuse to cooperate with immigration enforcement efforts.
State Rep. Reece Pyrtle, a Republican from Rockingham County, said lawmakers have already taken steps to eliminate sanctuary city policies but believe some local officials have continued resisting state law.
He described the legislation as a common-sense measure designed to strengthen immigration enforcement while protecting North Carolina families.
UNC System Must Comply With Federal Immigration Enforcement
The law also applies to the University of North Carolina system.
Public universities are prohibited from adopting policies that interfere with or restrict federal immigration enforcement activities, ensuring campuses comply with state requirements regarding cooperation with federal authorities.
Why Republicans Finally Won the Veto Fight
Although the Senate voted months ago to override Gov. Stein’s veto, Republicans initially lacked enough votes in the House after losing their veto-proof supermajority following the 2024 elections.
House rules require support from 60% of lawmakers present to override a governor’s veto.
Republicans ultimately secured enough votes after two Democratic lawmakers were absent during the vote, allowing the override to succeed and send the legislation into law.
Lawmakers Also Advance Restrictions on DEI Policies
During the same session, lawmakers also overrode three additional vetoes involving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Senate Bill 227 prohibits K-12 public schools from promoting or requiring instruction that endorses a list of “divisive concepts.” The law preserves First Amendment protections and allows educators to teach historical subjects when presented in an objective and impartial manner.
Senate Bill 558 establishes similar standards for North Carolina’s public universities. Faculty members may discuss the listed concepts in academic settings but cannot require students to adopt or endorse those viewpoints.
Both measures are now law.
A third proposal, House Bill 171, would prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars for DEI offices, staff positions, training programs, and related initiatives within state and local government. That legislation still requires a Senate veto override before it can take effect.
A Major Victory for Immigration Enforcement
The passage of the North Carolina Border Protection Act marks one of the state’s most significant immigration enforcement reforms in recent years.
Supporters say the law strengthens cooperation with ICE, protects taxpayer-funded benefits, increases accountability for local governments, and reinforces North Carolina’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws. Opponents argue the changes could affect relationships between immigrant communities and law enforcement.
With the veto override complete, North Carolina joins a growing number of Republican-led states adopting tougher immigration enforcement policies as border security and illegal immigration remain major issues heading into the 2026 midterm elections.