RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Directives upon North Carolina sheriffs to check immigration records of all jail inmates and recognize federal requests to hold them are headed to the Senate floor after more impassioned debate.
The measure approved Thursday in the Senate Rules Committee responds to several recently elected sheriffs who no longer comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers. The detainers ask that people who may be in the country unlawfully be held up to 48 hours. Compliance is now voluntary.
The dissenting African American sheriffs said this week they’re being unfairly targeted by Republicans, suggesting partisanship and race are reasons. But bill supporters say the bill ensures all sheriffs protect the public from criminals.
The bill advanced after several immigrants pleaded with legislators to reject it, citing fears that it would separate families.
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