DHS Drops Merrimack ICE Facility After Local Backlash
DHS will not proceed with a proposed Merrimack ICE detention center after local officials and protests raised financial and safety concerns, Gov. Kelly Ayotte said.
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Overview
The Department of Homeland Security will not move forward with the proposed ICE facility in Merrimack, Gov. Kelly Ayotte said.
Local officials and residents opposed the plan, with the Merrimack Town Council saying the project would cause a $529,000 decrease in tax revenue in a Jan. 23 letter.
DHS confirmed the decision was made in partnership with Ayotte, and Secretary Kristi Noem said she appreciated discussions with the governor.
Documents released by state and local officials said the plan would convert a 43-acre warehouse to house roughly 400 to 1,000 people and an estimated $158 million was cited for renovation costs.
Lawmakers introduced legislation to require public input before creating new federal detention facilities, and Maryland filed a lawsuit challenging a separate warehouse conversion.
Analysis
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FAQ
Local officials and residents opposed the facility primarily due to financial impacts and safety concerns. The Merrimack Town Council cited that the project would cause a $529,000 decrease in tax revenue, and state Senator Tim McGough raised concerns about safety, security, and property values. Additionally, the federal government's lack of transparency and failure to properly communicate with local officials about the facility was a significant point of frustration.
Governor Ayotte met with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in Washington, D.C. last week and had what she described as "productive discussions" about the proposal. Following this meeting, Secretary Noem announced that DHS would not move forward with the facility, citing cooperation with New Hampshire law enforcement. Ayotte credited Noem for "hearing the concerns of the Town of Merrimack."
New Hampshire's congressional delegation introduced federal legislation that would require local and state consultation before ICE builds new detention centers. Additionally, New Hampshire Democrats in Congress introduced a bill requiring DHS to ask for public comment and get written approval from state and local officials before building any new ICE detention facilities.
The planned facility would have converted a warehouse on Robert Milligan Parkway into a detention center designed to house 400 to 600 beds, with detainees staying an average of three to seven days. The project involved a 43-acre warehouse with estimated renovation costs of approximately $158 million.[3]
Yes, the lack of transparency led to the forced resignation of a department commissioner who failed to share correspondence with ICE with Governor Ayotte's office. The commissioner took responsibility for the failure of process within their agency in not informing the Governor's Office about ICE's significant consultation request.
