City Council Declares Municipality a “Fourth Amendment Workplace”

A North Carolina city council unanimously voted Friday to designate the city government a “Fourth Amendment Workplace,” directing all municipal staff and agencies to uphold residents’ constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures in their official duties. The resolution aims to limit cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities within city facilities and protect undocumented residents from warrantless intrusion.

The designation underscores local leaders’ concerns over rising immigration enforcement actions and their potential chilling effect on community trust in public services. By affirming the city’s commitment to Fourth Amendment rights, officials hope to reassure all residents that their private spaces and personal information will remain secure unless due process is observed.

Key Provisions of the Resolution

  • Noncooperation with ICE: City departments must not permit ICE agents to conduct workplace searches, seize records, or question individuals on city property without a valid warrant or court order.
  • Reporting Requirements: Staff are instructed to document and report any requests from federal agents to city council within 48 hours.
  • Training and Compliance: The city manager will implement mandatory Fourth Amendment training for all employees to ensure awareness of constitutional protections and proper response protocols.

Community and Political Reactions

Supporters praised the move as a proactive defense of civil liberties, noting that undocumented families often avoid seeking vital services for fear of unexpected enforcement actions. “This resolution sends a clear message that everyone has the right to feel safe in our community,” said a leading immigrant advocacy group representative.

Opponents argued the policy could strain relations with federal partners and expose the city to legal challenges. A local law enforcement official cautioned that limiting cooperation might hamper investigations beyond immigration, potentially affecting public safety.

Background and Implementation

  • Several other U.S. cities have adopted similar policies to curb ICE presence in municipal environments amid nationwide debates over sanctuary jurisdictions.
  • The resolution passed during the September 5 council session and takes effect immediately. City departments are required to submit their first compliance report by October 15.
  • Federal ICE representatives have yet to formally respond, but past statements suggest the agency will continue warrant-based operations regardless of local declarations.

The “Fourth Amendment Workplace” designation positions the city at the forefront of municipal efforts to balance immigration enforcement with constitutional safeguards, reflecting broader national discussions on local autonomy and residents’ civil rights.