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CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) New Hampshire’s congressional delegation is backing legislation that would require federal immigration officials to obtain approval from state and local leaders before opening new detention or processing centers in their communities.
U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen is leading the bipartisan chamber effort, joined by Sen. Maggie Hassan and U.S. Reps. Chris Pappas and Maggie Goodlander. The proposal, titled the Respect for Local Communities Act, would require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to seek public input and secure written consent from state and municipal officials before constructing, purchasing or operating any new Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing or detention facility. It would also mandate that DHS notify key congressional committees before moving forward with such plans.
The bill comes amid reports that ICE is exploring warehouse sites nationwide for possible conversion into large-scale detention centers. Federal documents released recently outline a plan to spend roughly $38 billion to expand detention capacity, prompting criticism from local officials in several states, including New Hampshire.
In Merrimack, where a potential ICE processing facility was identified late last year, town leaders have said they were not consulted about the proposal. Members of the New Hampshire delegation have pressed DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for answers, sending letters in recent weeks seeking clarity about the agency’s intentions and calling attention to concerns raised by the Merrimack Town Council and state lawmakers.
Supporters of the legislation argue that local governments should not be sidelined in decisions that could significantly affect public safety, infrastructure and local budgets. They say the measure would ensure transparency and give communities a formal role in determining whether such facilities move forward.
Critics of the administration’s approach have also questioned the cost of the proposed expansion and its broader impact, contending that immigration enforcement efforts should balance border security with humanitarian standards and community input.
The full text of the bill has been made publicly available as the delegation begins seeking support from colleagues in both chambers.