House passes North Carolina Border Protection Act after heated debate over due process, public-health and local immunity

The North Carolina House on June 4 approved a committee substitute to Senate Bill 153, the North Carolina Border Protection Act, after lengthy floor debate that split lawmakers along policy and constitutional lines.

Proponents, led in debate by Representative Pirtle, said the bill "requires the secretary of [Public Safety], the secretary of Department of Adult Corrections, the commander of the State Highway Patrol, and the director of the State Bureau of Investigation to each enter into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to fully cooperate with immigration laws." Supporters framed the measure as a way to ensure statewide consistency in cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Opponents raised concerns about civil rights, public health and the bill's legal consequences. Representative Butler said the measure was "wrapped in the language of public safety, but its effect will be to create a culture of fear," arguing it would deter immigrant families from using services and reporting crimes. Multiple lawmakers warned that directing public-health workers and counties to screen or report residents could undermine trust in clinics and emergency…