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Raleigh, NC Immigration Policy: Sanctuary Policy Preemption (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Sanctuary ban
HB 318 (2015)
ICE detainer law
HB 10 (2024)
Code section
NCGS §160A-499.4
Sheriff cooperation
Required statewide

Summary

North Carolina prohibits sanctuary policies under HB 318 (2015), codified in NCGS §160A-499.4, and HB 10 (2024) requires sheriffs to honor ICE detainers. Raleigh and Wake County must accept federal ID and cooperate.

§ 160A-499.4. Notice prior to construction.

(a) A city shall notify the property owners and adjacent property owners prior to commencement of any construction project by the city.

(b) Notice under this section shall be in writing at least 15 days prior to the commencement of construction, except in any of the following instances:

(1) If the construction is of an emergency nature, the notice may be given by any means, including verbally, that the city has for contacting the property owner within a reasonable time prior to, or after, commencement of the construction.

(2) The property owner requests action of the city that requires construction activity.

(3) The property owner consents to less than 15 days' notice.

(4) Notice of the construction project is given in any open meeting of the city prior to the commencement of the construction project.

(c) For purposes of this section, "construction" shall mean the building, erection, or establishment of new buildings, facilities, and infrastructure and shall not include routine maintenance and repair.

Source: Raleigh Code of OrdinancesView official code

Full Breakdown

HB 318, signed October 2015, bars North Carolina cities and counties from limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. NCGS §160A-499.4 prohibits Raleigh from adopting sanctuary policies, accepting consular IDs as official identification, or restricting employee inquiries about immigration status. HB 10 (2024) requires sheriffs to honor ICE Form I-247A detainers for inmates charged with serious offenses, expanding the §162-62 federal verification mandate. Wake County Sheriff cooperates with ICE under these frameworks. The Raleigh Police Department follows §160A-499.4 by reporting suspected immigration violations during routine investigations.

Violations & Fines

Cities or sheriffs adopting sanctuary policies face withdrawal of state funding under §160A-499.4(c), civil action by the Attorney General, and criminal liability for officials who knowingly violate the cooperation mandate under HB 10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Raleigh police ask about immigration status?
Yes, but they typically don't during routine stops. State law allows inquiry; RPD policy focuses on criminal investigations. Officers report suspected violations to ICE per state requirements when relevant.
Will Wake County honor ICE detainers?
Yes. Under HB 10 (2024), the Wake County Sheriff must comply with ICE I-247A detainers for inmates charged with serious crimes, holding them up to 48 hours for federal pickup.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Raleigh

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Compare Raleigh to another location·View the North Carolina immigration policy overview

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