By admin 
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A new law in North Carolina will require state law enforcement to cooperate with immigration operations. Senate Bill 153 was vetoed by Gov. Josh Stein last year, but it became law after N.C. House Republicans overrode the veto on Wednesday.
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SB 153 also orders state agencies to ensure that any and all beneficiaries of state services can prove citizenship. But the most controversial component of the law deals with police, requiring state law enforcement to not only cooperate with federal immigration officials, but also help carry out operations.
“I would argue that all crimes committed by illegal aliens are unnecessary and they’re avoidable,” argued a supporter of the bill.
But in east Charlotte, where Border Patrol agents spent days carrying out an operation last November, one state lawmaker is worried the new requirements will chip away at public trust in law enforcement.
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“That is the federal government’s responsibility,” said Democratic State Rep. Jordan Lopez. “We are state legislators. We should first and foremost be jealously protective of our power, of our resources here at the state level.”
Lopez, whose district includes much of east Charlotte, home to large Hispanic population, argued the change will make many of his constituents think twice before they engage with police.
“You still are fearful of what law enforcement will do to you because of the color of your skin or the language they hear you speaking… If you see a state trooper, are you now going to completely avoid that direction, or are you now not going to speak up,” he added.
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Senate Bill 153 goes into effect immediately.