North Carolina Republicans Push to Enforce Trump’s Immigration Agenda

Introduction

North Carolina Republicans are intensifying efforts to align the state with President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, targeting Democratic officials who oppose these measures. Emboldened by Trump’s narrow but significant victory in the state during the 2020 presidential election, GOP lawmakers are advancing legislation to restrict the powers of Democratic Governor Josh Stein and Attorney General Jeff Jackson. These bills aim to force cooperation with federal immigration authorities and limit the attorney general’s ability to challenge Trump’s executive orders in court.

Expanding Cooperation with Federal Immigration Authorities

The North Carolina Senate has approved a bill that would require state law enforcement agencies under Governor Stein’s authority to collaborate with federal immigration agents. Specifically, the bill mandates that the State Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Public Safety, and the adult correction system participate in the 287(g) program. This federal program trains local officers to interrogate suspects about their immigration status and assist in deportation efforts. The legislation also directs Stein’s budget office to investigate whether undocumented immigrants are improperly receiving state benefits.

Republican lawmakers argue that these measures are necessary to support Trump’s immigration agenda, which they claim aligns with the will of North Carolina voters. Senator Buck Newton, a sponsor of the bill, emphasized the need to "regain control of our borders," echoing Trump’s rhetoric on immigration. Similar efforts are underway in over a dozen other states, where GOP legislators are introducing bills to require or incentivize cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Limiting the Attorney General’s Role in Challenging Trump Policies

Another measure passed by the Senate seeks to restrict Attorney General Jeff Jackson’s ability to challenge Trump’s executive orders. Jackson, a rising star in the Democratic Party, has joined lawsuits with other Democratic attorneys general to oppose several of Trump’s directives, including an order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. Republican leaders argue that the state Constitution grants lawmakers the authority to define the attorney general’s duties, accusing Jackson of overstepping his role.

This is not the first time Republicans have sought to curtail Jackson’s powers. Recent changes to state law now prevent the attorney general from arguing that a state law is unconstitutional and require him to defer to legislators on certain legal settlements. Jackson’s allies, however, defend his actions, arguing that voters expect the attorney general to protect constitutional rights from federal overreach, regardless of the party in power.

National Context and Implications

The push by North Carolina Republicans reflects a broader national trend of state-level battles over immigration policy. While Democratic attorneys general across the country have filed lawsuits to challenge Trump’s executive orders, Republican lawmakers in multiple states are introducing legislation to limit their ability to do so. For instance, in 2018, Iowa’s Republican governor reached an agreement requiring the state’s Democratic attorney general to seek permission before joining out-of-state lawsuits.

Experts, including former Maine Attorney General James Tierney, suggest that preventing North Carolina from participating in multistate lawsuits against Trump may not significantly weaken the overall legal challenges. However, such restrictions could have a major impact if North Carolina fails to push back against policies specifically targeting its residents.

Debate Over the Bills’ Impact

Pro-immigrant advocates strongly oppose the legislation, arguing that it would harm industries reliant on immigrant labor and exacerbate fear within immigrant communities already anxious about Trump’s immigration crackdown. Mario Alfaro of the group El Pueblo warned that the bill would create distrust and insecurity, asserting that it fails to protect the state’s citizens.

Meanwhile, Governor Stein has criticized Trump’s immigration policies but remained noncommittal on the bill. Stein emphasized that undocumented immigrants who commit violent crimes should face legal consequences and deportation, while advocating for federal legislation that provides a path to citizenship for law-abiding, long-term residents.

Conclusion

The North Carolina bills now head to the House for approval, where Republicans are just one seat short of a veto-proof majority. If passed, Stein could veto the measures, but Democrats would need to remain united to uphold his vetoes. The ongoing political battle highlights the deepening divide over immigration policy in North Carolina and reflects the broader national struggle over the role of state governments in challenging or supporting federal initiatives.