We Urge Governor to Veto HB10
El Centro Hispano NC and El Colectivo NC firmly oppose the advancement of House Bill 10 (HB10) in the North Carolina House of Representatives. The bill poses serious legal and constitutional threats, jeopardizing the safety and rights of our communities.
We call on NC Legislators and Governor Cooper to veto this harmful legislation and urge them to be on the right side of history by rejecting HB10. This bill would require North Carolina sheriffs to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), raising deep legal and ethical concerns.
One of the most alarming issues is the potential violation of the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees fair legal proceedings. According to an analysis by the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina (ACLU-NC) and the Center for Justice, HB10 fails to address constitutional safeguards related to ICE detentions, exposing sheriffs and counties to legal risks.
Although the bill includes a provision absolving sheriffs from liability if detentions are carried out under a state judicial order, it does not protect them from lawsuits for potential violations of the U.S. Constitution.
In response, El Centro Hispano NC and El Colectivo NC are calling on North Carolina Representatives and Governor Cooper to protect the rights and safety of all residents by rejecting this legislation. It is essential that our elected officials uphold justice, fairness, and constitutional rights for everyone, regardless of immigration status.
“We cannot ignore the profound harm HB10 would cause,” said Pilar Rocha-Goldberg, President and CEO of El Centro Hispano NC. “This bill not only strips away immigrant rights but also destroys the trust between law enforcement and our communities. We must unite to ensure North Carolina prioritizes justice and equality for all.”
Rocha-Goldberg further emphasized the economic absurdity of targeting a community integral to the state’s growth, urging lawmakers to prioritize labor protections and access to work permits rather than passing unnecessary and restrictive laws like HB10.
Antelmo Salazar, President of El Colectivo NC, shared these concerns, stating, “HB10 would tear at the fabric of our communities, fueling fear and distrust among immigrant populations. We urge lawmakers to reject this damaging legislation and instead focus on policies that promote inclusivity and respect for human rights.”
Press Conference Details:
- When: Monday, September 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
- Where: NC General Assembly (16 W. Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601)
- Who: El Centro Hispano NC, El Colectivo NC, and Allies
In conjunction with social media campaigns like #StopHB10 and #ProtectNCFamilies, El Centro Hispano NC and El Colectivo NC are launching an educational campaign to mobilize public opposition, provide resources, and protect the dignity and rights of immigrant families in North Carolina. Access to toolkit here.
