The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, also known as ACLU NC, expressed concern over the enactment of the SB 153, known as the “North Carolina Border Protection Act”, after legislators in the General Assembly They will override the governor's veto Josh Stein, June 24.
In a statement, the organization said that, in doing so, lawmakers ignored documented abuses by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the harm that, it said, the agency has caused to communities in the state.
“At a time when the federal immigration agencies Facing increasing bipartisan demands for transparency and accountability, our legislators have made it clear that the blatant violations of civil rights "They are not sufficient reason to put a stop to ICE," the group said.
“SB 153 deepens the state’s complicity with a system that sows fear, confusion, and harm, expanding the reach of reckless immigration agencies and giving the green light to more abuses in our communities,” he added.
Sammy Salkin, senior policy strategist at ACLU NC, told Enlace Latino NC This law not only expands the participation of state agencies in the federal deportation agenda, but also reinforces a narrative that criminalizes migrants. immigrants in North Carolinacausing fear and uncertainty.
“It’s simply another attempt to scapegoat and criminalize our immigrant neighbors here in North Carolina,” Salkin said.
Uncertainty about the implementation of SB 153
Although the law came into effect immediately after its approval on June 24, some of its provisions, including the requirement that four state agencies sign agreements 287(g) With ICE, they have implementation dates that have already passed.
Enlace Latino NC He asked North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall when the 287(g) agreement that the Highway Patrol must enter into with ICE will be signed.
“I imagine as soon as they can reasonably arrange it,” Hall replied. He then added that it would depend on any memorandum of understanding (MOU) that both parties agree to sign.
Salkin explained that the 287(g) agreements They are not drafted, signed, or implemented overnight.
“These are agreements that must be negotiated between law enforcement agencies and the federal government. Therefore, in practice, this will not happen immediately,” Salkin said.
Salkin added that because it is still unclear when the agreements will be signed, when they will be made public, or when they will come into effect, this makes implementation a complicated and confusing aspect.
“That’s a complex and confusing issue: technically, the law is already in effect. However, in practice, all of this can’t happen overnight,” he said. “It will take time to define exactly what these agreements will look like.”
Therefore, for Salkin, the biggest question has to do with these agreements: when they will begin to be implemented, how they will work in practice, and what exactly they will contain.
Prepare yourself with reliable information and useful resources by visiting our guide with updated resources, explanations, and articles on immigration.
👉 See the Immigration Guide Enlace Latino NC
What can immigrant communities do now?
Salkin said it is understandable that immigrant communities feel fear about the implementation of SB 153.
“That is precisely the intention of this law: to instill fear,” he stated.
Even so, he recommended several steps people can take now to prepare and protect themselves:
Know your rights
At this time, Salkin mentioned, it is crucial that people not only understand What are your rights?but also how to put them into practice.
“Many of our rights require us to assert them explicitly; for example, if the police stop you and you want to speak to a lawyer"Or if you are arrested and wish to speak with one, you must clearly express your desire to do so," he said.
For more information, guides and guidance on knowing your rights, visit the ACLU NC website.
Find a direct immigrant support group in your community
In the state, Salkin noted, there is a network of organizations that provide direct support to the immigrant community.
“That’s why I encourage people to find the group in their community that does this kind of work and get in touch with them whenever possible,” he explained.
Related: Where can I find organizations that provide legal assistance to immigrants in North Carolina?
Have a plan
Finally, for Salkin, it is essential to be prepared and have a plan for what to do in case of need. arrested.
“Having a security plan is very important so that people know how to act and to ensure that their personal matters are resolved if they are arrested or remain in custody for some time,” she added.
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