The American Civil Liberties Union, immigrant rights advocates and Buncombe County’s sheriff are among those applauding Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of House Bill 370.
The Republican-backed measure would have forced North Carolina’s sheriffs to comply with federal immigration agents by holding people believed to be in the country illegally in jail for up to 48 hours after they’re eligible for release.
"This legislation is simply about scoring partisan political points and using fear to divide North Carolina," Gov. Cooper said in an emailed statement Wed.
Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller praised the Governor’s rejection of the bill. Sheriff Miller, in a statement to media, reaffirmed his position that he does not consider enforcing immigration laws as part of his officers’ duties.
"My office will continue to comply with all applicable state and federal laws, however, we do not make or enforce immigration laws," Miller said.
The ACLU says the detainer requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement are a violation of the Fourth Amendment because they often lack probable cause and can lead to the prolonged detention of people without a court order.
