Durham Declares Fourth Amendment Workplace Amid ICE Tensions
In Durham, North Carolina, a big decision was made that’s now stirring up conversation across the country. The City Council voted unanimously to declare Durham a “Fourth Amendment Workplace.” What that means, in simple terms, is that the city is officially committing to uphold protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, specifically when it comes to federal immigration enforcement.
The Fourth Amendment, as you may know, is part of the U.S. Constitution. It guarantees that no one can be searched, detained, or have their property taken without proper warrants and probable cause. City leaders in Durham are applying this principle directly to their workplaces and agencies. They want city employees to be trained on these protections and to report any barriers that might prevent them from following through.
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This resolution comes after a tense incident in July, when ICE agents in plain clothes appeared at the Durham County Courthouse. They had been there to detain a man facing felony domestic violence charges. That man never showed up, and no arrests were made, but the presence of ICE officers caused alarm. Residents witnessed the scene and said it created fear and uncertainty throughout the community. Demonstrations were even organized in response, with many people demanding protections for immigrant families.
Mayor Leonardo Williams said the resolution is about standing up for the law, not ignoring it. He pointed out that everyone is guaranteed due process in the justice system, and the city has a responsibility to reaffirm that principle. He also stressed that immigrants, regardless of status, are people contributing to Durham’s economy and community life—working jobs, paying taxes, and building the city alongside everyone else.
Supporters of the measure argue that ICE raids create fear, which prevents people from living openly—whether it’s going to work, seeking an education, or even getting medical care. Some healthcare leaders in Durham said fewer immigrants are showing up for services because they’re worried about sharing personal information or being targeted. That fear, according to advocates, puts entire families at risk and undermines trust between residents and public institutions.
Of course, the resolution doesn’t actually stop ICE from operating. Federal agents still have authority to conduct enforcement actions. What the city can do, however, is make clear that its own workplaces won’t be used to bypass constitutional protections. Mayor Williams emphasized that Durham has no legal power to override ICE, but it can stand in solidarity with residents and make sure city employees respect the Constitution.
Durham now joins Carrboro, which passed a similar resolution earlier this year. Both cities are signaling that, despite pressure from state and federal officials, they won’t collaborate with immigration raids in ways that compromise residents’ rights. For many people in Durham, this move is seen as a stand for dignity, safety, and equal protection under the law. And in the middle of national debates on immigration, that local step is being watched very closely.
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