DHS Cancels Plans for New ICE Facility in New Hampshire Following Governor’s Intervention
MERRIMACK, N.H. — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially withdrawn its proposal to establish a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Merrimack, New Hampshire, following a series of concerns raised by local officials and residents. This decision came after productive discussions between DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte, who advocated on behalf of her community’s interests.
Governor Ayotte, a Republican known for her strong stance on immigration enforcement and opposition to sanctuary cities, announced the development on February 25, 2026. The governor credited the outcome to effective dialogue during her recent visit to Washington, D.C., where she met with Secretary Noem to express the community’s apprehensions about the proposed facility’s potential financial and social impacts.
“I’m pleased to announce that the Department of Homeland Security will not move forward with the proposed ICE facility in Merrimack,” Ayotte stated, emphasizing the importance of local input in federal decisions. She also extended gratitude to Secretary Noem for her willingness to listen and cooperate with New Hampshire officials.
The proposed detention center had sparked considerable debate within Merrimack, with town leaders and residents voicing concerns about the economic burden and the strain on local resources. The community feared that the facility could alter the town’s character and affect public safety dynamics.
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE operations, had initially identified Merrimack as a potential site to expand detention capacity amid ongoing immigration enforcement efforts. However, the agency’s responsiveness to local opposition highlights the challenges of balancing federal immigration policies with community interests.
ICE, the agency responsible for immigration detention and enforcement, has faced scrutiny nationwide over its detention practices and facility locations. The cancellation of the Merrimack project aligns with a broader trend of increased community pushback against new detention centers. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, detention facilities are critical to their mission, but site selection often involves complex negotiations with local stakeholders.
Governor Ayotte’s intervention underscores the influential role state leadership can play in shaping federal initiatives. Her administration’s engagement with DHS officials ensured that local voices were considered before any irreversible commitments were made.
As the federal government continues to navigate immigration enforcement challenges, this episode in New Hampshire serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration between federal agencies and local communities. Future proposals for detention facilities may increasingly require such cooperative approaches to address concerns and foster transparency.
For more information on immigration enforcement policies and detention standards, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s immigration enforcement page and the ICE detention management site.
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