Merrimack, N.H., ICE facility won't move forward, Ayotte says
The Boston Globe • • general
Key Points:
- The federal government has decided to halt the Merrimack ICE warehouse project following discussions between New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, responding to local opposition and concerns about strain on police, emergency services, and property tax revenue.
- The project faced significant protests and opposition from local officials across party lines, with both Democratic and Republican leaders in Merrimack expressing relief and crediting collaborative efforts for the cancellation.
- Ayotte emphasized the importance of federal consultation with local officials, while Noem highlighted ongoing cooperation with New Hampshire on law enforcement and immigration issues.
- The cancellation aligns with broader regional resistance to ICE detention facilities, as similar projects have been halted in Missouri, Mississippi, and Minnesota due to public and local government pushback
