North Carolina Law Enforcement Groups Call on Governor Stein to Sign Legislation Cracking Down on Illegal Immigration
North Carolina’s four main law enforcement groups put out separate statements supporting House Bill 318: Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act. The General Assembly passed two bills last week, cracking down on illegal immigrants in North Carolina, and the legislation now sits on Governor Stein’s desk. Stein has one more day to decide if he will sign the legislation, allow it to become law without his signature, or veto the bills.
Here is what the different law enforcement groups said about House Bill 316:
North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association said, “The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association SUPPORTS House Bill 318 and appreciates the decision by the NC General Assembly to enact this important legislation. House Bill 318 improves the current language in General Statute 162-62 and will result in more clarity and uniformity in the law for sheriffs and their personnel. House Bill 318 tightens up the process provided for in General Statute 162-62 so that dangerous criminals are not released back into our communities.”
North Carolina Troopers Association said, “The North Carolina Troopers Association commends Speaker Destin Hall and the General Assembly for passing House Bill 318, the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act. This critical legislation is a vital step toward making North Carolina safer for all residents. By deterring crime, safeguarding our communities, and empowering law enforcement to effectively remove dangerous individuals from our streets, this bill lays the foundation for a more secure future. This bill ensures that our state continues to be a place where justice and safety prevails.”
North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police said, “The North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, representing over 6,000 law enforcement officers, strongly supports House Bill 318, the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act. This bipartisan legislation enhances public safety by requiring sheriffs to cooperate with ICE, expanding immigration status checks for serious crimes, and ensuring federal detainer compliance. HB 318 protects our communities and supports law enforcement’s mission to uphold the law. We applaud Speaker Destin Hall for his leadership and the General Assembly’s passage of HB 318 that will make North Carolina safer. We call on Governor Stein to sign this critical legislation to keep our communities safe.”
North Carolina Police Benevolent Association said, “NC House Bill 318 is a "no nonsense" piece of legislation that further enhances the main role of law enforcement across this great state - to protect and serve its citizens. By working collaboratively with both Federal and other State agencies, it will help ensure that violent criminals are not allowed back on our streets. We cannot forget the tragedy that occurred to one of our own in August of 2022 when K9 Deputy Ned Byrd was murdered by two illegal immigrants. HB 318 will keep these criminals in jail, keep our community safe and help to ensure this never happens again. With over 17,000 members, representing all ranks of law enforcement, the NC Police Benevolent Association is grateful for the leadership of Speaker Hall and the NC General Assembly for passing this bill and for standing with law enforcement.”
Tim’s Take: The unified voice of law enforcement on this legislation shows that Governor Stein, on this issue, must side with the police or the rioters who want to abolish ICE. Even more important for the 2026 election, every single vulnerable Democrat in the North Carolina House voted against this legislation. This is an issue that the House Republican Caucus is already highlighting as a key issue for the 2026 midterms.
