Kristi Noem scraps ICE detention center after hundreds protest

Plans for a proposed federal immigration detention facility in New Hampshire were scrapped by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Tuesday after hundreds of protesters took to the streets over the weekend in protest.

“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 New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte Tuesday in a press release, shared by Politico reporter Kyle Cheney.

On Saturday, hundreds of New Hampshire residents took to the streets in Merrimack to protest the proposed detention facility, a planned center that Merrimack officials have “repeatedly said” they’ve been “in the dark” about despite multiple attempts to contact DHS for details.

New Hampshire Democratic state Rep. Wendy Thomas joined protesters on Saturday to warn that the proposed detention facility could cost Merrimack $529,000 in lost revenue annually, In Depth NH reported Saturday, money that she argued would be better spent on local public services and infrastructure.

“This decision will define who we are, not just as a town, but as a state,” Thomas said at the rally, In Depth NH reported.

“Merrimack should not become the place where suffering is hidden behind fences and contracts. New Hampshire should not become the state that welcomes this. For our taxpayers, for our infrastructure, for our democracy, and for our shared humanity, we must clearly and firmly say, ‘No ICE detention facility in Merrimack. Not now, not ever!’”