# North Carolina immigration enforcement expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-carolina-immigration-enforcement-expansion > Updated: 2026-09-29T23:43:48.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. North Carolina law enforcement agencies are expanding cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the 287(g) Task Force model. This expansion is driven by the North Carolina Border Protection Act (SB 153), which requires several state entities to establish agreements and implement policies to determine the immigration status of individuals in custody or under supervision. Local agencies, such as the Pikeville Police Department, have begun signing agreements that allow trained officers to perform specific immigration enforcement functions during routine duties. Following a legislative override of Governor Josh Stein’s veto, state-level agencies including the State Highway Patrol, Department of Public Safety, Department of Adult Correction, and the State Bureau of Investigation are implementing these measures. Under these protocols, agents must attempt to verify citizenship or legal residency through questioning or document review and consult with ICE if status remains undetermined. Observers have noted a trend referred to as the ‘90-second rule,’ characterized by rapid interrogation, handcuffing, and transport of individuals during immigration arrests. While the Department of Homeland Security has declined to comment on specific policing strategies, it has denied rumors that ICE arrests are restricted solely to individuals with criminal records. In response to the implementation of SB 153, civil rights organizations such as Siembra NC have issued advisories to motorists. These organizations emphasize that while state law requires drivers to provide licenses, registration, and proof of insurance, the U.S. Constitution protects the right to remain silent regarding questions about birthplace or immigration status. ## Claims - State troopers are authorized to question individuals regarding their citizenship or immigration status during routine traffic stops. (disputed by 2 sources) - Civil rights advocates advise that motorists are not legally obligated to answer questions regarding their birthplace or immigration status under the U.S. Constitution. (disputed) - Four North Carolina state agencies must establish 287(g) agreements with ICE by October 1, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The North Carolina Border Protection Act (SB-153) was enacted after the state legislature overrode Governor Josh Stein's veto. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-29: North Carolina agencies expand immigration enforcement cooperation with ICE North Carolina state agencies are implementing 287(g) agreements with ICE, allowing state troopers and officials to perform immigration enforcement functions during traffic stops and investigations. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-carolina-state-agencies-expand-cooperation-with-ice ### 2026-09-10: North Carolina agencies expand ICE cooperation under 287(g) program Pikeville Police has joined the 287(g) Task Force model with ICE, as North Carolina agencies race to meet an October 1 deadline for state-mandated immigration enforcement agreements. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-carolina-agencies-expand-ice-cooperation-under-287g-program --- Cite as: North Carolina immigration enforcement expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-carolina-immigration-enforcement-expansion