The North Carolina state lawmakers are debating a bill that would require sheriffs to cooperate with ICE authorities. The Senate Committee on Judiciary approved House Bill 10 after it passed the House chamber in 2023. Rep. Destin Hall, the bill’s primary sponsor, explained that ICE detainers are a common way to remove noncitizens involved in criminal activity.
Sheriff Sam Page of Rockingham County supports the bill, citing the case of Laken Riley, a college student allegedly murdered by an illegal alien who was released from custody. However, Clarke County Sheriff John Q. Williams opposes handing over criminal illegal aliens to ICE, fearing it would create a culture of fear.
Despite Sheriff Williams’ concerns, President Biden’s DHS approved a work permit for the suspect in Riley’s case, Jose Antonio Ibarra, even after knowing about his criminal history. ICE authorities noted that most law enforcement officers in North Carolina support their agency, but six counties in the state have policies that obstruct immigration enforcement.
Sheriff Page emphasized the importance of the bill for protecting America, the state, and its citizens.
