North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has vetoed a bill that would have required state law enforcement to collaborate more closely with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He also vetoed a bill that would have allowed permit-less concealed carry of firearms.

The Democratic governor announced his vetoes on Friday, following the bills’ approval by both chambers of the state legislature.

Gov. Stein stated that the state’s resources are already strained in assisting federal officers.

“My oath of office requires that I uphold the Constitution of the United states,” Stein said. “Therefore,I cannot sign this bill because it would require sheriffs to unconstitutionally detain people for up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released.”

He cited the Fourth Circuit’s stance that “local law enforcement officers cannot keep people in custody solely based on a suspected immigration violation.”

Gov. Stein emphasized his commitment to holding offenders accountable, stating, “Let me be clear, anyone who commits a serious crime in North Carolina must be prosecuted and held accountable regardless of their immigration status.”

He expressed support for provisions in the bills that would require sheriffs to contact federal immigration authorities regarding individuals in their custody who are charged with serious crimes, including sexual battery, armed robbery, arson, and assault on public officials.

The vetoes were applauded by Guilford county Sheriff Danny Rogers, Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough, and Mecklenburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden.

Republican Leaders Criticize Vetoes

“Gov.Stein proved where his allegiances are…He’d rather prioritize his far-left donors and their perilous open-border policies…”

Republicans have strongly criticized the governor’s decisions.

State Senate Leader Phil Berger posted on X, “Gov. Stein proved where his allegiances are. He’d rather prioritize his far-left donors and their dangerous open-border policies over the citizens of North Carolina who are desperately pleading for us to put an end to the illegal immigration crisis. I look forward to the Senate overriding his veto.”

Gov.Stein also vetoed a bill that would have allowed permitless concealed carry in North Carolina.

“This bill makes North Carolinians less safe and undermines responsible gun ownership,” Stein said. “The bill eliminates training requirements associated with concealed carry permits and reduces the age to carry a concealed weapon from 21 to 18 years old.”

“We can and should protect the right to bear arms without recklessly endangering law enforcement officers and our people.”

Berger also criticized the veto of the gun bill.

“Law-abiding North Carolinians shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to effectively exercise their Second Amendment rights,” the Senate leader said. “It’s past time for us to join the majority of states that recognize Constitutional Carry. I look forward to the Senate overriding Gov. Stein’s veto.”

Overriding a gubernatorial veto requires a three-fifths majority in both the House and Senate.

In the last election,Democrats gained a seat in the House,breaking the Republican supermajority. The GOP holds a slim one-vote supermajority in the Senate.