NC House Democrats weigh rolling back ICE cooperation laws

North Carolina House Democratic leader Robert Reives indicated the caucus intends to revisit state statutes mandating cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials. The party recently regained control of the lower chamber, shifting the balance of power in Raleigh.

The legislative framework currently in place includes Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 318. SB 153 compels four specific state agencies to formalize cooperation agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. HB 318 obligates county sheriffs to honor certain ICE detainer requests and to notify federal agents before releasing specific individuals from county jails.

Reives, who is expected to assume the speaker's gavel in January, addressed the potential policy shift during a news conference on Tuesday. "I definitely would be dissembling if I didn't say there were members of my caucus that have a lot of interest in getting that done," Reives said. He noted the process is still in early stages, adding, "I've got to talk to the caucus, and so it's early to be able to say what we would or wouldn't do."

Beyond enforcement mechanisms, Reives expressed openness to bills allowing undocumented residents to obtain driver's licenses. He argued such licenses would improve road safety by identifying drivers and facilitating the purchase of car insurance. Any changes to the current immigration laws would require the support of the state Senate.

Republicans maintain a 26-24 majority in the upper chamber, positioning them to block or amend any proposals originating from the House. The House Democratic caucus will likely begin drafting language for these changes in the coming months, with a formal vote expected once the legislative session opens.