Durham Adopts Fourth Amendment Workplace Policy

Clear Facts

• Durham City Council unanimously approved a resolution declaring the city a “Fourth Amendment Workplace.”
• The measure limits city cooperation with ICE unless agents present valid warrants.
• Durham is the second city in its region to enact these protections for public employees.

Durham is taking steps to limit the reach of federal immigration enforcement by demanding that city workers refuse cooperation without proper judicial warrants. This decision comes after recent protests sparked by an attempted ICE detention at the local courthouse.

A North Carolina city declared itself a “Fourth Amendment Workplace” amid what it described as “unconstitutional” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and arrests.

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The council’s move follows a July incident, where ICE agents’ presence in Durham ignited fear among residents, prompting local demonstrations. The new policy requires staff and agencies to report back about any challenges to fully training teams on Fourth Amendment requirements.

Mayor Leo Williams emphasized the need to resist federal tactics that alarm citizens.

“Our residents witnessed ICE agents in our community, instilling widespread fear and uncertainty,” Mayor Leo Williams said.

He explained that local officials cannot override federal authorities, but are compelled to “stand in strategic solidarity.”

Council member Javiera Caballero sponsored the measure, receiving support from advocacy groups. Public comments highlighted ongoing anxiety about immigration enforcement’s effects on children.

“I have seen too many children in our community carrying deep fear, unable to sleep, not wanting to go to school,” said Melanie, whose parents immigrated to the United States.

Durham was recently called a “sanctuary county” by the Department of Homeland Security, a claim local officials disputed as baseless.

What do you think about local governments limiting cooperation with ICE, even as illegal immigration continues to challenge American communities? Share your perspective and keep the conversation going.

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