Democratic representatives form new caucus, focus on limiting immigration enforcement
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — House Democrats pushing two bills this week, all focused on undocumented people living in North Carolina.
The first, House Bill 78, would ban law enforcement from any immigration raids at schools, places of worship, or hospitals.
'Imagine a woman in a Temple praying for a peaceful and better life when unexpectedly, individuals armed with deadly weapons take her away without notice to her family,' Democratic Representative Renee Price said.
Sponsors of the bill say they're already expecting no more movement on the bill.
It's the same story for House Bill 80.
'This bill would prohibit local law enforcement from engaging in immigration enforcement at work sites, ensuring that our farms and constructions remain places of productivity,' Democratic Representative Deb Butler said.
Research shows around 325,000 undocumented people live in North Carolina. Supporters of these bills say without them, the state's economy will crumble.
'Of the total number of undocumented people, at least 220,000 are workers and are equivalent to 4.3% of the total workforce in North Carolina,' Mario Alfaro with El Pueblo said.
The vast majority of those undocumented workers work in construction. About 35% of construction workers are undocumented. Sponsors of House Bill 80 say if those workers are scared of being targeted at work, they simply won't work.
'North Carolina's economy depends on agriculture and construction, those are industries that rely on a steady, dedicated workforce,' Representative Butler said.
While there's little to no confidence in either bill progressing, House Democrats are forming a new caucus called Progress Now, where they say the fight continues.
'Our name comes from two needs, the needs for progressive policy, and the needs for urgency and timeliness,' Democratic Representative Marcia Morey said. 'There are people in our state who need help now. Not tomorrow, not next week.'
This week Senator Phil Berger introduced a bill that directs local law enforcement to comply completely with any ICE regulations. Democrats today say they're hopeful the Senate will abandon that bill.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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