Dozens of people have gathered Wednesday night outside the North Carolina Executive Mansion, urging the governor to veto a bill aimed at creating more cooperation between local law enforcement and state agencies and immigration agents.

Earlier in June, lawmakers in the Republican-controlled state Senate passed Senate Bill 153, which would drastically change which agencies are required to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The vote for the bill came amid nationwide protests against ICE, and several packed the Senate gallery on June 10, shouting their disapproval as the vote passed.

“It was disappointing to see that the legislature is focusing on these bills that stoke fear and division in our communities instead of focusing on pieces of legislation that can help North Carolinians,” said Sammy Salkin, a policy analyst with the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina.

“Immigrants bring more to our communities than they take, and we know that with things like public benefits, the vast majority of public benefits are already only available to us citizens,” Salkin added.

The bill now goes to Gov. Josh Stein’s desk — potentially setting up the first major veto battle between the Republican-led legislature and the new Democratic governor. A spokesperson for Stein hasn’t said whether he’d veto it. But those outside the mansion were calling for just that.

“This bills are very harmful, and people don’t want to be separated from their families, so I’m very passionate about that, and I’m a daughter of immigrants,” said Judith Cruz, a Clinton resident.

While North Carolina requires county sheriffs, who operate all the state’s jails, to work with ICE on deporting people who are accused of committing crimes, Senate Bill 153 goes further.

According to the bill, many city, county and government leaders, not just law enforcement, would be required to cooperate with ICE if it passed, and it would allow cities, counties and the UNC System to be sued for potentially millions of dollars if they don’t.

A separate bill would also further cooperation between ICE agents and local law enforcement. Many critics of the bills said they will harm North Carolina’s economy and create traumatic family separations.

“These bills affect real people and real immigrant communities,” said Evelin Patricio, a Raleigh resident.

North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall, a Republican, argued the new bills are necessary because some sheriffs are not cooperating with ICE.

The protest outside the governors mansion came just days after thousands across the Triangle gathered for “No Kings” rallies, which highlighted frustration with President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly on immigration.

While Stein has yet to decide on vetoing the legislation or not, a spokesperson for the governor’s office said they accepted letters protesters brought to the mansion. Many left hopeful that their concerns would be addressed.

“It’s still stressful hearing all the news, being scared that any family member of mine might get stopped by ICE,” Cruz said. “Seeing all of this out here, it’s making me more hopeful for the future, and hope Gov. Stein decides to veto these bills.”