Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons recently testified before the Senate Homeland Security Committee about prior discussions he had with Gov. Kelly Ayotte regarding the proposed ICE detention facility at 50 Robert Milligan Pkwy. Courtesy photo

MERRIMACK – New Hampshire Democrats recently attacked Gov. Kelly Ayotte, saying that, for weeks, she knew about the proposal from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for an immigration detention facility at 50 Robert Milligan Pkwy.

During the Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing on Feb. 12, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons testified that the Department of Homeland Security “worked with Gov. Ayotte” and discussed the facility’s “economic impact.” According to the New Hampshire Democratic Party, Lyons’ testimony goes against Ayotte’s prior statements that she “did not get an answer” from Homeland Security regarding the status of the facility, which protestors have dubbed “Camp Kelly.”

Ayotte fired back and accused Lyons of lying under oath.

“Director Lyons’ comments are another example of the troubling pattern of issues with this process,” she said. “Officials from the Department of Homeland Security continue to provide zero details of their plans for Merrimack, never mind providing any reports or surveys. After my office inquired about the Economic Impact Study, DHS has now, for the first time, distributed the document. Once the document was received, we immediately shared it with the town of Merrimack. We are publishing this document on my website for the public to find.”

Devon Chaffee, executive director of the ACLU of New Hampshire, said the proposed facility could be quashed with decisive opposition from the governor.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte has come under attack by Granite State Democrats for having prior knowledge of the proposed ICE detention facility at 50 Robert Milligan Pkwy. Courtesy photo/State of New Hampshire

“Let’s be clear, Gov. Ayotte has still not opposed turning this Merrimack facility into a human warehouse for ICE, despite an outpouring of opposition from the town, state lawmakers and constituents,” said Chaffee. “The people of New Hampshire are relying on Gov. Ayotte to push back and prevent such a horrifying facility from coming to our state.”

House Democratic Leader Alexis Simpson (D-Exeter) said that within the past two weeks, residents were given “a very different account” of what is being planned for Merrimack.

“The governor must clarify the timeline, the conversations, and what information was shared with her and her office,” said Simpson. “Transparency is a basic responsibility. Granite Staters expect it. Granite Staters also expect their governor to stand up for New Hampshire’s communities. That includes standing up to the Trump Administration when federal actions create uncertainty, strain local resources or bypass local voices.”

Raymond Buckley, chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, said Ayotte’s chances of being reelected will be significantly diminished if she chooses not to oppose the detention facility.

“Whether this is Kelly Ayotte’s gross incompetence or a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, it’s obvious that she doesn’t deserve a second term,” he said. “Granite Staters have made it clear they do not want an ICE facility in their community and Ayotte must find the courage to say whether or not she agrees.”