Protests Erupt in Raleigh Over New Immigration Laws
Hundreds gathered at Moore Square Park in downtown Raleigh on Wednesday, expressing their strong opposition to recently passed immigration enforcement bills, Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 318. The demonstration coincided with a similar rally at the state legislature, where lawmakers finalized the controversial legislation before sending it to Governor Josh Stein.
Senate Bill 153 mandates local law enforcement to comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests, while House Bill 318 prohibits sanctuary city policies and restricts the use of community-issued IDs for undocumented immigrants. The bills have ignited statewide outrage, reminiscent of the backlash against former Governor Roy Cooper’s 2024 veto of a similar bill.
The Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), which organized the Raleigh protest, condemned the new legislation as an attempt to "dehumanize, criminalize, and terrorize immigrant communities." PSL spokesperson Victor Urquiza highlighted the broader implications, asserting that the laws serve a calculated agenda to divide working-class people while protecting the wealthy elite.
Attendees echoed sentiments from protests nationwide, including those in Los Angeles, wearing gas masks in anticipation of potential tensions. Despite the peaceful atmosphere, Urquiza warned that these policies reflect a deeper divisive strategy by the current administration.
Chants of “ICE out of NC!” and “Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here!” resonated through the streets as demonstrators marched for over an hour before returning to Moore Square. One protester described the policies as “unacceptable” in a democratic society, emphasizing that collective action is essential to counter this "slow-roll coup."
As tensions surrounding immigration enforcement escalate, additional protests are scheduled for June 14 in cities across North Carolina, coinciding with President Trump’s birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
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