The warehouse at 50 Robert Milligan Pkwy. in Merrimack will not be used as an ICE detention facility. Courtesy photo/Cushman and Wakefield

MERRIMACK – Following discussions with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Gov. Kelly Ayotte recently announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement will not be moving forward with an immigration detention facility in town.

“During my trip to Washington last week, I had productive discussions with Secretary Kristi Noem, and I’m pleased to announce that the Department of Homeland Security will not move forward with the proposed ICE facility in Merrimack,” said Ayotte. “I thank Secretary Noem for hearing the concerns of the town of Merrimack and for the continued cooperation between DHS and New Hampshire law enforcement to secure our northern border, keep dangerous criminals off our streets and ensure our communities are safe.”

Noem said the Granite State continues to be a “strong partner” in protecting the northern border and preventing sanctuary cities.

Town Manager Paul Micali said very little information was available when he first heard about the facility in December 2025. As more information gradually became available, Micali and his colleagues learned that the facility would cause Merrimack to lose more than $500,000 in annual tax revenue. This prompted the Town Council to send a letter to Noem describing the facility’s financial effect.

“It was a team effort, it was a true form of democracy,” he said, adding that Ayotte and the federal delegation came through for the town.

In addition, U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) had pressured Acting Director of ICE Todd Lyons to cancel the proposed facility, citing massive opposition from Merrimack residents.

“DHS’ reported cancellation of its plan for an ICE facility in Merrimack is a direct result of Granite Staters speaking up and pushing back on this administration’s lack of transparency, refusal to coordinate with the community and actions that would make the town of Merrimack less safe,” said Hassan. “I applaud all those who have made their opposition to this facility clear and will continue to join Granite Staters in pushing for secure borders, an immigration system consistent with our American values, and to ensure that this Administration works with communities, including on any future plans it may develop for ICE facilities in our state.”

State Reps. Nancy Murphy (D-Merrimack), Rosemarie Rung (D-Merrimack) Wendy Thomas (D-Merrimack) released a joint statement saying they are proud of what their constituents and local officials have accomplished.

“This outcome is a testament to what our community can accomplish when neighbors stand together, raise their voices, and insist that local values and local voices be respected in decisions that affect our town,” they said. “Over the past few months, the people of Merrimack made it clear that a large federal detention facility was not welcome here. Town meetings, organized rallies, personal conversations and sustained advocacy demonstrated the deep, shared belief that our community should reflect our values, dignity, respect and transparency, and that decisions this significant should never be made without meaningful public engagement.”

House Democratic Leader Alexis Simpson (D-Exeter) lauded Murphy, Rung and Thomas for being among the first to “raise the alarm” about the proposal for an ICE facility.

“The coordinated, successful mobilization against these plans that we have seen over the last two months would not have been possible without the persistent, tireless work of activists and leaders in Merrimack and across the state,” she said. “We will remain steadfast and watch for the next community that may have a detention facility built in their backyard. Granite Staters have stated loud and clear that there is no place for ICE detention facilities here in New Hampshire.”

There was also support from the state’s GOP leadership.

“This is what happens when you cooperate with federal partners instead of posturing for headlines and political theater,” said House Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R-Auburn). “New Hampshire works with Washington, we talk, we strategize and we coordinate. That’s how you secure the northern border, support law enforcement and still ensure the right outcome for our communities. Let this be a lesson to those who scoff at 287(g) agreements and refuse to collaborate. Results come from strength and partnership.”