North Carolina City Declares Itself ‘Fourth Amendment Workplace’
BREAKING: The Durham City Council in North Carolina has just declared the city a “Fourth Amendment Workplace,” a move aimed at enhancing protections for illegal immigrant workers targeted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This unanimous resolution was passed on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, signaling an urgent response to increasing ICE activity in the area.
The resolution aims to shield city workers from federal raids and arrests, emphasizing the need for reasonable cause and warrants, as mandated by the Fourth Amendment. According to The Duke Chronicle, city staff will now be required to “uphold the Fourth Amendment at their workplace” and report any barriers to training on its enforcement.
This action was prompted by a troubling incident earlier this month, where plainclothes ICE agents appeared unexpectedly at the Durham County Courthouse. Although no arrests were made, the presence of federal agents caused fear among residents. Mayor Leo Williams stated, “Our residents witnessed ICE agents in our community, instilling widespread fear and uncertainty,” underscoring the emotional impact on the community.
The resolution highlights that the threat of “unconstitutional seizure” has prevented migrants from “safely engaging in public life,” including employment and education opportunities. This sentiment was echoed by Nida Allam, Chair of the Durham County Board of Commissioners, who stressed that courthouses should be places of justice, not fear.
Residents have been vocal in their support for the initiative, with many attending the council meeting to share personal stories of anxiety and intimidation due to ICE’s presence. Elise Ballan, Chair of the Durham Workers’ Rights Commission, criticized the federal government’s mass deportation tactics, stating, “Anyone who does not appear white, anyone who does not speak English, is at risk of abuse and deportation.”
Durham’s decision follows a similar initiative by Carrboro, which became the first North Carolina town to adopt a Fourth Amendment Workplace resolution in May. The local community is rallying for added protections, with discussions on necessary training for city staff to effectively implement this measure.
In February, ICE arrested 11 individuals in Durham, raising further concern among residents regarding the safety of their families. The federal government has labeled Durham a “sanctuary” city for allegedly failing to cooperate with immigration officials, a characterization local leaders argue has “no legal or factual basis.”
As tensions rise over immigration enforcement, Durham officials are taking a stand to protect their community. Mayor Pro Tempore Mark Anthony Middleton expressed his commitment to not collaborating with ICE, reinforcing local resistance against federal immigration policies.
This resolution brings hope to many migrants living in fear and aims to restore trust between them and local authorities. As Durham positions itself against federal immigration enforcement, the next steps will be critical in determining how these protections are enacted and upheld.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
