This is breaking news and the story will be updated with reaction.
Gov. Kelly Ayotte announced Tuesday morning that the Department of Homeland Security will not move forward with the proposed Immigration and Customs Enforcement warehouse detention facility in Merrimack intended to speed up deportations.
“During my trip to Washington last week, I had productive discussions with Secretary Kristi Noem, and I’m pleased to announce that the Department of Homeland Security will not move forward with the proposed ICE facility in Merrimack,” Ayotte said in a press release. “I thank Secretary Noem for hearing the concerns of the Town of Merrimack and for the continued cooperation between DHS and New Hampshire law enforcement to secure our northern border, keep dangerous criminals off our streets, and ensure our communities are safe.”
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In the press release Ayotte issued, Noem said: “I appreciated my discussions with Governor Ayotte last week.
“From banning sanctuary cities to strengthening law enforcement cooperation, New Hampshire has been a strong partner in securing our country, and we look forward to continuing our work together,” Noem said.
Kim Herdman Shapiro, spokesperson for No ICE NH, said, “Today, the people of Merrimack and all of New Hampshire proved that organized local voices are more powerful than a federal agency’s ruthless expansion.
“This is a victory for us and all of New England, but it is not the end of this fight. Now we take this energy and stand with every other community targeted. We say no to human warehouses,” Shapiro said.
House Republican Leaders “applaud cooperative approach to ICE facility decisions,” according to a press release issued Tuesday morning.
House Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R-Auburn) said the outcome demonstrates what effective coordination with our federal counterparts can achieve.
“This is what happens when you cooperate with federal partners instead of posturing for headlines and political theater,” said Osborne. “New Hampshire works with Washington, we talk, we strategize, and we coordinate. That’s how you secure the northern border, support law enforcement, and still ensure the right outcome for our communities. Let this be a lesson to those who scoff at 287(g) agreements and refuse to collaborate. Results come from strength and partnership.”
Deputy Majority Leader Joe Sweeney (R-Salem) echoed that sentiment.
“Governor Ayotte proved that disciplined and definitive leadership always delivers,” said Sweeney. “Because New Hampshire is a strong partner in enforcing immigration law and banning sanctuary policies, we had credibility at the table. Cooperation produced the best possible outcome for Merrimack and for our state.”
Reps. Nancy Murphy, Rosemarie Rung, and Wendy Thomas, all Democrats from Merrimack who fought the proposal issued the following statement:
“Today we join residents of Merrimack, New Hampshire, community leaders, and grassroots supporters in celebrating the announcement that the Department of Homeland Security will not move forward with plans for an ICE processing facility in Merrimack, as confirmed by Governor Kelly Ayotte earlier this morning.
“This outcome is a testament to what our community can accomplish when neighbors stand together, raise their voices, and insist that local values and local voices be respected in decisions that affect our town. Over the past few months, the people of Merrimack made it clear that a large federal detention facility was not welcome here. Town meetings, organized rallies, personal conversations, and sustained advocacy demonstrated the deep, shared belief that our community should reflect our values — dignity, respect, and transparency — and that decisions this significant should never be made without meaningful public engagement.
“We want to thank every resident who took the time to express their concerns, attend meetings, write letters, and link arms with neighbors from across New Hampshire. Your commitment to civic engagement made the difference.”
Three of the five Executive Councilors – Republicans John Stephen, Dave Wheeler and Joe Kenney released a joint statement: “ICE is doing critical work to keep New Hampshire communities safe by identifying and deporting criminal illegal aliens. We want to thank Governor Ayotte and the New Hampshire State Police for their close cooperation with federal immigration authorities — that partnership is making a real difference for public safety in our state.
We also appreciate the decision not to move forward with the proposed facility in Merrimack. Governor Ayotte deserves credit for her leadership on this issue, working directly with ICE to advocate for New Hampshire’s interests while ensuring that immigration enforcement continues effectively.
Granite Staters expect their leaders to work together to keep our communities safe, and that’s exactly what’s happening here.”
Executive Councilors Janet Stevens, R-Rye, and Karen Liot Hill, D-Lebanon didn’t sign on to the statement by the three others.
Democratic candidate for Governor Cinde Warmington released the following statement:
“For weeks, Kelly Ayotte cowered in the corner office and refused to stand up to Donald Trump’s human warehouse — even as the people of Merrimack made it loud and clear they do not want this detention center in their community. Granite Staters had to take to the streets — and I was proud to join them — to get Kelly Ayotte to listen.
“Now, Kelly needs to have the guts to say what I have said from the start: NO ICE human warehouse anywhere in New Hampshire. If Kelly Ayotte and Kristi Noem are looking for a new New Hampshire location, they should stop right now,” Warmington said.
