A proposed $304 million ICE detention facility to be located in Merrimack, New Hampshire is facing significant backlash. The facility is part of enforcement efforts by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. “We are hoping we can sway public opinion enough that we might be able to stop it,” said Kim Herdman-Shapiro from NO ICE New Hampshire. “We don’t want to basically put people in human warehouses. That’s not the New Hampshire way.” The scope of the project is to convert an existing warehouse on Robert Milligan Parkway. Moreover, ICE notes that once complete it will have around 400-600 beds and house people for an average of three to seven days.

The Department of Homeland Security conducted an economic impact report. In the report, they noted that the detention center would support hundreds of new jobs. Furthermore, it would generate $200 million in revenue for the region. Other  than ICE, the U.S. Department of Justice is also making strides to improve its infrastructure across states as it recently commenced the Lew Sterrett Justice Center Replacement project in Dallas County. 

Outlook on the Proposed ICE Detention Facility in New Hampshire

Other than residents, government officials are also in opposition of the proposed ICE detention facility in New Hampshire. Republican State Senator, Tim McGough who represents Merrimack has been vocal about his doubts on the project. He said he reviewed the information and has several questions about the validity of the impact report.  “The data we got last night was clearly a cut-and-paste job. It said Oklahoma in the first paragraph, and it talked about a sales tax and an income tax. We don’t have either of those here,” McGough said. McGough said he heard from his constituents loud and clear about how they feel about the facility.  “We know the impact will likely not be all that great for a lot of reasons, safety, security, property values. All these unanswered questions,” he explained.

Official Word from ICE Acting Director on the Facility

The back and forth between state officials seems apparent as some seem to be on board the project. New Hampshire Governor, Kelly Ayotte, seems to be on board as she assessed the project’s economic impact report. “After my office inquired about the economic impact study following today’s Senate hearing, DHS has now, for the first time, distributed the document,” Ayotte said. “Once the document was received, we immediately shared it with the Town of Merrimack.” However, Senator Maggie Hassan asked acting ICE director, Todd Lyons at the hearing whether ICE would cancel plans for the facility due to concerns and opposition in the town. This would be similar to how they canceled project plans in Mississippi.  “No ma’am,” Lyons said.

Project Factsheet

• Type of Project: ICE detention center (conversion of a warehouse)
• Estimated Cost: $304 million
• Place: Robert Milligan Parkway, Merrimack, New Hampshire.
• Leading Agency: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• Parent Agency: Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• Capacity: 400-600 beds
• Average Stay: 3-7 days

Economic Impact (According to the DHS Report)

• Hundreds of projected jobs
• Regional revenue of estimated $200 million.

Key Officials Involved

• Kelly Ayotte – New Hampshire Governorr
• Tim McGough- Republican Senator representing Merrimack
• Maggie Hassan – Republican Senator
• Todd Lyons – Acting ICE director

Status

• Proposal stage
• Opposition to it by the people and parliament.
• Not canceled