New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte announced a proposed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in the state will not move forward.
“I’m pleased to announce that the Department of Homeland Security will not move forward with the proposed ICE facility in Merrimack. During my trip to Washington last week, I had productive discussions with Secretary Kristi Noem,” Ayotte said.
“I thank her for hearing the concerns of the Town of Merrimack and for the continued cooperation between DHS and New Hampshire law enforcement to secure our northern border, keep dangerous criminals off our streets, and ensure our communities are safe,” she added.
I’m pleased to announce that the Department of Homeland Security will not move forward with the proposed ICE facility in Merrimack.
During my trip to Washington last week, I had productive discussions with Secretary Kristi Noem.
I thank her for hearing the concerns of the…
— Governor Kelly Ayotte (@KellyAyotte) February 24, 2026
WMUR explained further:
The governor faced criticism from Democrats for not being more confrontational with the Trump administration, but on Tuesday morning, the secretary of Homeland Security gave a nod to Ayotte’s behind-the-scenes efforts, lauding her collaborative approach.
“I appreciated my discussions with Governor Ayotte last week,” said Noem. “From banning sanctuary cities to strengthening law enforcement cooperation, New Hampshire has been a strong partner in securing our country, and we look forward to continuing our work together.”
This issue triggered controversy in Merrimack and at the State House from the very start, when the Washington Post reported that DHS had identified Merrimack as a potential site for a detention center to house immigrants detained as part of the Trump administration’s mass deportation program.
It cut a wide swath through New Hampshire politics, forcing the resignation of the Commissioner of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources after a public information request by ACLU-NH revealed that a state agency had been in contact with DHS regarding the planned facility for several weeks before the governor or any other state leaders said they were aware.
While the major parties debated the need for the detention center and the merits of locating it in New Hampshire, the opposition in Merrimack, among elected officials, was broad and bipartisan, citing the impact to municipal tax rolls and the lack of infrastructure to support a facility housing 500-1,000 people.
“NHJournal poll found Granite Staters opposed the project 59-41%,” NH Journal stated.
“But 74% of @NHGOP voters supported it,” it added.
BACKSTORY on Gov @KellyAyotte announcement that DHS has dropped Merrimack ICE facility.
NHJournal poll found Granite Staters opposed the project 59-41%
But 74% of @NHGOP voters supported it.https://t.co/CJNk09aMcN
— NH Journal (@NewHampJournal) February 24, 2026
“A huge win for Merrimack and the entire state of New Hampshire. Thank you to the thousands of people across our communities who came together to send a clear message: New Hampshire does not want an ICE facility in our state,” said Stefany Shaheen, a Democratic candidate for New Hampshire’s 1st congressional district.
“This is what’s possible when concerned citizens stay engaged, speak up, and continue advocating for what they believe is right. Grassroots action works—and today is proof,” she added.
Shaheen is the daughter of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).
A huge win for Merrimack and the entire state of New Hampshire.
Thank you to the thousands of people across our communities who came together to send a clear message: New Hampshire does not want an ICE facility in our state.
This is what’s possible when concerned citizens stay… pic.twitter.com/Jy8xDVR6tP
— Stefany Shaheen (@Stefany4NH) February 24, 2026
NH Journal has more:
While Democrats are on the majority’s side when it comes to the Merrimack facility, they’re out of step with the state’s voters on immigration enforcement overall.
Asked what should happen to people who come to the U.S. illegally, 53 percent say they should be deported, while 43 percent say they should be allowed to stay unless they’ve committed another, more serious, crime.
Deporting all illegal aliens is the position of a majority of undeclared voters (53 percent) and the vast majority (77 percent) of Republicans — but just one in four Democrats (27 percent) agrees.
Instead, 75 percent of Granite State Democrats say illegal aliens in the U.S. should be allowed to stay here.
New Hampshire voters also trust the GOP more to secure the nation’s borders (42 to 28 percent), with 30 percent saying they trust both parties equally.
The lesson from the poll, according to GOP strategist Matthew Bartlett, is that Granite State voters support immigration enforcement — as long as it’s done right.
“It’s clear that illegal immigration continues to be a legitimate issue for the voter, but ICE’s illegitimate tactics are clearly not acceptable to the public, and they are causing significant backlash.”
The Merrimack ICE facility has been a political headache for Gov. Kelly Ayotte as she prepares to run for a second term this November. The Republican governor has thus far declined to publicly support or oppose the facility, instead urging the Trump administration to work with the Merrimack community before moving ahead with the project.
