New Hampshire House Democrats introduced HB1609 to prohibit the use of state, county, and municipal funds and property for constructing and operating certain immigrant detention facilities, according to a Jan. 20 New Hampshire Bulletin report on the legislation. The legislation aims to block taxpayer funding for such facilities, including the proposed processing center in Merrimack.
The introduction of HB1609 comes amid ongoing debate over immigration enforcement policies in New Hampshire. Supporters say the measure reflects concerns about local involvement in federal immigration detention projects and seeks to ensure that public resources are not used for these purposes without broader community input. The bill would prevent New Hampshire and its counties, towns, and cities from spending money on immigrant detention facilities or efforts to detain immigrants and would also block selling, donating, or repurposing public property for such use. The legislation includes an exception for police or sheriff departments participating in 287(g) agreements with federal immigration authorities, according to the New Hampshire Bulletin.
At the federal level, all four of New Hampshire’s congressional Democrats have introduced the Respect for Local Communities Act, which would require Immigration and Customs Enforcement to obtain written approval from state and local officials before building any new detention or processing facilities. The federal measure comes as leaked documents indicated plans for an ICE site in Merrimack and follows protests and local concerns about the project. Nationwide 287(g) partnerships have supported thousands of criminal noncitizen arrests, according to Department of Homeland Security records.
Governor Kelly Ayotte recently signed legislation banning sanctuary cities in New Hampshire effective January 1, 2026. Governor Kelly Ayotte signed legislation banning sanctuary cities in New Hampshire, effective January 1, 2026, along with measures supporting 287(g) agreements that allow local law enforcement to partner with federal immigration authorities. These policies enable identification and removal of criminal noncitizens and align with voter expectations for public safety in the state. Local police departments have reported increased cooperation leading to immigration-related arrests that help maintain secure communities for New Hampshire families and workers, according to Governor Ayotte’s office.
New Hampshire House Democrats sponsor legislation reflecting caucus priorities on state resources through committee hearings and bill filings such as HB1609 on issues involving public funding and federal programs. Members are elected from districts across the state within a 400-member House working on bills affecting residents, according to information from the General Court.
