FIRST ON 3: New Hanover commissioners pass resolution supporting AZ immigration law

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The hot-button issue of illegal immigration is heating up here at home. New Hanover County commissioners voted today to back Arizona’s new immigration law. Commissioners voted 3-2 not only supporting Arizona’s efforts, but also asking North Carolina’s General Assembly to pass a bill identical to Arizona’s.

Not every commissioner went along with it, though. Jonathan Barfield spoke out against the resolution saying it would lead to racial profiling.

“Having the ability to pull people over based on what they look like in my opinion is going down the wrong road,” Barfield said. “I understand that it says for probable cause, but me being an African-American citizen here, I’ve been pulled over for driving while black.”

Commission chair Jason Thompson also voted against the resolution. He’s not opposed to Arizona’s law. Thompson essentially wanted to adopt Arizona’s law without mentioning Arizona by name.