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RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina House voted 72–48 on Tuesday to override Governor Josh Stein’s veto of House Bill 318, officially enacting the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act. The controversial legislation mandates that sheriffs notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within two hours when releasing an inmate subject to an immigration detainer and requires a 48-hour hold for federal pickup. They also considered several other bills.
Republicans enacted a total of eight bills that Stein had vetoed. With each of those bills passed, support was secured from at least one Democrat in the House to meet the required supermajority threshold—some of the vetoed bills received support from multiple Democrats.
The override followed nearly 15 minutes of passionate floor speeches and public outbursts. But it was Representative Carla Cunningham (D-Mecklenburg) who commanded the floor with a forceful defense of her prior support for the bill, only to be interrupted by jeers from the gallery and a procedural challenge from a fellow Democrat.
“I am ADOS. I am a Black American. And I am an American.”
Rep. Cunningham began her remarks with a personal appeal rooted in her identity as an American Descendant of Slavery (ADOS), arguing that unchecked immigration can destabilize vulnerable communities and that assimilation must be expected.
“As a people, we need to recognize that it's not just the numbers that matter, but also where the immigrants come from and the culture they bring with them,” she said. “They must adapt to the culture of the country they wish to live in.”
Her comments drew audible mocking from the public gallery. That’s when Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) intervened.
“This is not a kindergarten class,” Hall said, his voice rising. “I look up and see full-grown adults—many of you senior citizens—and you’re clearly trying to make noise like a young child might.”
He instructed the sergeant-at-arms to remove one disruptive individual, then issued a pointed challenge:
“If you want to come down here and debate, go run for public office.”
“They want me to be silent in my country.”
Rep. Cunningham resumed her speech, delivering one of the most personal testimonies heard on the House floor this session.
“They want me to stop elevating my ancestors’ history. They want me to be silent in my country,” she said. “But this is my country. With the good and the not-so-good—this is my country, ‘tis of thee.”
When Cunningham spoke about online backlash she had received—including being called "trash" and a "racist"—Rep. Deb Butler (D-New Hanover) rose in objection, accusing her of maligning other lawmakers. Speaker Hall dismissed the concern, stating Cunningham was clearly referring to public attacks from outside the chamber.
Despite the backlash, Cunningham stood firm.
“If you want to adapt to my country, not isolate yourself, and come here legally, I welcome you,” she said. “But I will not be silenced.”
Sharp Divisions
House Bill 318 has sparked repeated debate across multiple sessions. Supporters say the law enhances community safety by ensuring violent offenders are not released before federal immigration agents are notified. Opponents say the law leads to racial profiling and jeopardizes due process rights.
Rep. Marcia Morey (D-Durham) responded forcefully, urging colleagues to sustain the governor’s veto.
“This bill denies that immigrants are an essential part of our community,” Morey said. “It scapegoats our neighbors, our co-workers, our friends, our families.”
She warned that forcing local police to act as immigration agents undermines public trust and safety.
“It will rip families apart and cause irreparable trauma,” she said.
What the Law Does
The newly enacted law requires:
Jails to notify ICE within two hours of the planned release of an inmate with a detainer.
A 48-hour mandatory hold for ICE custody.
Expanded list of qualifying offenses beyond violent crimes.
While some Democrats warned the bill would lead to legal challenges, Rep. Brian Echevarria (R-Cabarrus) insisted it merely strengthens existing law.
“It’s not adding anything new,” he said. “It’s closing loopholes left open by sheriffs who refused to cooperate.”
Next Steps
Cunningham delivered the crucial 72nd vote Republicans needed to defeat Stein’s veto successfully. Republicans control the necessary three-fifths majority in the Senate, but are one seat short in the House.
Having passed the House with a three-fifths majority, the override also passed the Senate Tuesday afternoon. House Bill 318 will take effect on October 1, 2025.
