Gov. Josh Stein opposes planned ICE detention center in Winton

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said Friday he opposes a planned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Winton, saying he does not support the project and did not approve the transaction.

In a statement posted to social media, Stein said the proposed detention center is not owned by the state and that the decision to move forward with the facility was made without his approval.

“The planned ICE detention center in Winton is not state-owned, and I did not approve this transaction,” Stein wrote. “Like many other North Carolinians, I do not want it in our state.”

Stein said individuals who commit crimes should be held accountable and that violent offenders who are in the country illegally should be deported. However, he criticized ICE’s enforcement practices, alleging the agency has detained people without criminal records and citing deaths that have occurred while individuals were in federal custody.

“ICE and Border Patrol have not earned our trust,” Stein said.

The governor also claimed ICE has a history of arresting, detaining and abusing U.S. citizens and said many people detained by the agency have no criminal record.

The planned detention center in Hertford County has drawn attention in recent weeks as supporters and opponents debate its potential impact on the region.

ICE has not publicly responded to Stein’s latest comments.