North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein vetoed two immigration enforcement bills and a constitutional carry proposal Friday, rejecting legislation backed by Republican lawmakers focused on public safety and border control. The move triggered swift criticism from GOP leaders, who pledged to override the vetoes and accused Stein of prioritizing illegal immigrants over law-abiding citizens.
House Bill 318, the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act, would have strengthened cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill required sheriffs to notify ICE and hold suspects for up to 48 hours if requested. Stein claimed the bill violated the Constitution, despite stating he supports requiring sheriff cooperation with ICE. He cited a federal court ruling that detaining individuals solely on suspected immigration violations is unconstitutional.
Senate Bill 153, the North Carolina Border Protection Act, was also blocked. The bill aimed to safeguard taxpayer-funded benefits by verifying the immigration status of recipients and directing state law enforcement agencies to coordinate with ICE. Stein argued the bill would divert state officers from their duties and duplicate federal immigration enforcement. He maintained that existing laws already prevent illegal immigrants from receiving public assistance like Medicaid or housing subsidies.
House Speaker Destin Hall responded forcefully, stating, “Governor Stein has made one thing clear today: he stands with criminal illegal aliens and the most radical elements of his party’s base over the safety and security of North Carolinians.”
Stein also vetoed Senate Bill 50, titled Freedom to Carry NC, which would have allowed permitless concealed carry and lowered the legal age from 21 to 18. He claimed the measure would endanger public safety.
Republicans, who hold veto-proof majorities in both chambers, are expected to attempt overrides. Only one Democrat, Rep. Carla Cunningham, supported any of the bills.
