1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

As a voter, taxpayer and citizen of our state, I urge you to issue an executive order establishing interim standards to prevent state involvement in ICE detention expansion until the legislature enacts comprehensive legislation. Hyperscale ICE detention facilities impose substantial demands on state resources, local budgets, and community stability. Without clear standards, our residents and taxpayers may bear costs created by federal enforcement policy. I respectfully ask that your administration use existing executive authority to: Prohibit state involvement and cost-shifting: Refuse ICE detention contracts, prohibit conversion of state facilities into ICE holding centers, and restrict state funding to any county jail housing ICE detainees unless the federal government provides full reimbursement for all direct and indirect costs. Require transparency and public disclosure: Prohibit nondisclosure agreements concealing ICE detention information. Require public disclosure of all ICE detention agreements, including facility locations, populations, infrastructure costs, community impacts, and contract terms. Taxpayers should not fund new incarceration facilities to relieve overcrowding caused by federal detention operations. Establish enforceable accountability standards: Require rigorous review and public reporting of all ICE detention activities in state facilities, including documentation of deaths, injuries, medical neglect, or abuse. Establish enforceable standards for safety, medical care, due process, and conditions of confinement. Require meaningful local approval: Require that any state participation in ICE detention receive formal approval by affected county governments and public input before permits or contracts are issued. Review state policy on federal cooperation: Review and repeal any state policies that create financial incentives for state agencies or local governments to cooperate with ICE or CBP detention operations without full federal reimbursement and transparent public disclosure. Support legislative coordination: Direct relevant agencies to engage with legislative leaders, local governments, civil rights organizations, immigrant justice advocates, affected communities, and faith organizations to develop alternatives to detention and draft durable legislation. This executive action would establish a reasonable baseline while the legislature considers comprehensive statutory reform. Any order should preserve legislative authority, comply with existing law, and include a clear process for public participation and periodic review. Our state should stand for dignity, safety, and due process for all people, regardless of immigration status. I urge you to direct your agencies to draft such an order and prevent deepening our involvement in a detention system marked by documented abuse and opacity. Thank you for your consideration.