RALEIGH — President Donald Trump has criticized Governor Roy Cooper for vetoing a bill that would have required the state’s sheriffs to recognize requests by federal immigration agents to hold jail inmates believed to be in the country illegally.
Trump tweeted Saturday that Cooper’s veto was “a terrible decision.” He tweeted that the North Carolina Democrat “should reverse his decision and get back to the basics of fighting crime!”
Cooper described the measure as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
The detainers ask that a suspect be held up to 48 hours for pickup. They aren’t arrest warrants, so currently they can be ignored. The bill’s Republican sponsors said sheriffs should work with ICE.
Bill sponsor Rep. Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) retweeted the President’s post and said, “Thank you, Mr. President. It’s sad that North Carolina has a Sanctuary Governor who won’t stand with law enforcement to protect public safety.”
Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, who is running for Governor, also retweeted Trump’s post and said, “Couldn’t agree more, Mr. President.”
