Shaheen Commends DHS Decision to Cancel Plans for ICE Processing and Detention Facility in Merrimack

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today released the following statement commending news that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is cancelling its plans for an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing and detention center in Merrimack, New Hampshire, after overwhelming public opposition and advocacy from Shaheen and the entire New Hampshire Congressional delegation:

“I’m glad to hear that DHS may be cancelling its plans in Merrimack—this positive step is due in no small part to community members and leaders speaking up and demanding more accountability. I commend these Granite Staters for making their voices heard.

“Granite Staters were justifiably disturbed by the lack of transparency around ICE’s plans for Merrimack, and their concerns are shared by Americans across the country and across the aisle who are grappling with a lack of accountability around ICE’s actions.

“It’s critical that we stop what happened in Merrimack from happening in other communities—that’s why, just yesterday, I introduced legislation that would give cities and towns the power to stop ICE from opening facilities without their knowledge or consent.”

Senator Shaheen has been vocal in her opposition to the lack of accountability and transparency around DHS’s plans for Merrimack. To directly address the community’s concerns, Shaheen introduced legislation that would require DHS to solicit public comments and receive written approval from state and local officials before constructing, acquiring or operating any new ICE processing facility or detention center. The bicameral Respect for Local Communities Act would also require the Secretary of Homeland Security to notify relevant Congressional committees prior to initiating such activities.

###