State Aware of ICE’s Merrimack Plans Since January 12
Recent documents acquired by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reveal that state officials in New Hampshire have been aware of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) plans to convert a warehouse in Merrimack into a detention facility since January 12, 2026. The findings have raised significant public concern and political backlash regarding transparency and governance.
Key Developments in ICE’s Merrimack Plans
Devon Chaffee, Executive Director of ACLU New Hampshire, stated that these documents confirm ICE’s intentions to build a detention facility. Chaffee criticized the lack of public communication regarding these plans, emphasizing the demand for more transparency from elected leaders.
Timeline of Events
- January 12, 2026: ICE reaches out to the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources, inquiring about potential historical impacts on a 43-acre property at 50 Robert Milligan Parkway.
- January 21, 2026: The Division of Historical Resources responds, indicating that there are no historical resources at the proposed location.
Following these developments, Governor Kelly Ayotte expressed to the media that she was unaware of ICE’s intentions. However, the ACLU documents show her office was informed of the plans prior to her comments.
Political Reactions
Ayotte’s spokesperson, John Corbett, attributed the failure to inform the governor to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. He emphasized the need for better communication from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the proposed facility.
Political figures such as Rep. Rosemarie Rung and House Minority Leader Rep. Alexis Simpson criticized Ayotte’s response. Rung accused the governor of shielding the federal administration’s actions, while Simpson labeled her claims of ignorance as alarming and indicative of a lack of leadership.
Community Opposition
Merrimack residents and officials have voiced their opposition to ICE’s plans. The local community feels sidelined, having received little information from the agency amidst growing concerns over ICE’s practices, which have included severe incidents across the country.
Opponents argue that the establishment of a detention center in Merrimack would undermine public trust and safety, calling for transparency and assertive leadership against such federal actions.
Conclusion
The situation surrounding ICE’s proposed facility remains unresolved as tensions continue to rise between state officials and the federal agency. Citizens of New Hampshire, particularly those in Merrimack, are calling for accountability and clarity from their leaders regarding the future of their community.
