Key Highlights
- The federal government has applied for a new immigrant detainee facility in Merrimack.
- AACU of New Hampshire revealed the application to the public.
- Governor Kelly Ayotte was unaware of these plans.
- Local officials and residents oppose the facility, with hundreds protesting its presence.
The Hidden Agenda Behind ICE Expansion in Merrimack
DHS has been quietly moving forward with plans to establish a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Merrimack, New Hampshire. Documents obtained through a public records request by the ACLU of New Hampshire have shown that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security submitted an application with the state to renovate and occupy an existing structure at 50 Robert Milligan Parkway.
A Surprising Revelation
Devon Chaffee, from the ACLU-New Hampshire, stated, “Essentially, DHS has said that it is refusing to provide additional information about its plans here. The bottom line is that people of New Hampshire deserve to know.” This revelation comes as a shock, considering how much local officials and residents were in the dark.
Governor’s Silence
The state’s response has been swift but critical. Governor Kelly Ayotte’s office released a statement, saying, “It is entirely unacceptable that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources failed to provide information with the governor’s office.” Ayotte further emphasized, “Clearly, the Department of Homeland Security is actively pursuing the use of this property without communicating with all stakeholders.”
Local Opposition
The opposition to the facility in Merrimack is not unanimous but it is bipartisan. State Senator Tim McGough, R-Merrimack, stated that “Our citizens don’t want this facility here, and there’s better places to put it.” The application, referring to the property as a “Boston Processing Center,” has sparked intense debate among residents.
Public Protests
Hundreds of people gathered outside Merrimack Town Hall last month to protest the possible ICE facility. A protester questioned the federal government’s trustworthiness, saying, “You can’t trust whether they already have a confirmed plan or whether they’re trying to work you against another community or whatever.” The lack of communication has led to speculation and concern among residents.
While the federal government continues to push forward with its plans, local officials and activists remain vigilant. The issue highlights ongoing tensions between federal policies and state governance in matters of immigration. As this story unfolds, it is clear that transparency and community engagement will be crucial for resolving these complex issues.
