MERRIMACK – The No ICE NH coalition, a grassroots alliance of more than 30 social justice organizations, will host a major protest, drawing attendees from across New England, on Feb. 21 from 12 – 2 p.m. at the Merrimack Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Rd.

This demonstration opposes the proposed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, which has made Merrimack a flashpoint in this national battle.

The town is at the forefront of a national, town-by-town fight against ICE’s plan for a nationwide network of human warehouses. The outcome of these local battles is at a tipping point. For every community that has successfully kept ICE out, another has had a facility forced upon it.

As the sole location targeted for an ICE facility in New England, Merrimack has become the region’s defining battleground.

“This is not just Merrimack’s fight; this is New England’s fight,” said Kenneth Barnes, an organizer with No ICE NH. “We have watched this battle between decency and cruelty unfold across the country, and now the front line has reached us here in New England. The question for everyone in the Granite State and across New England is: will we allow our communities to be complicit in these barbaric practices? Our answer is a resounding no. Not here, not now, not ever.”