Good News: Merrimack Detention Facility Canceled!

I have incredible news: because ordinary people showed up, spoke out, and organized, the proposed ICE detention facility in Merrimack will not be built.

Proof of the power of community organizing!

Don't for a second think that the Trump administration or Governor Kelly Ayotte backed down simply because they had a change of heart. They canceled their plans because of targeted and sustained pressure at every level — starting with regular people showing up and speaking out, and moving up to local elected leaders, state representatives, and finally to our federal delegation.

This victory shows the power of a mobilized and unified community that not only opposes the reprehensible actions of ICE and DHS, but also envisions and fights for a more just immigration system.

Real progress like this doesn’t happen without people speaking out at town council meetings, showing up to protests, and using their voices to stand up for what we believe in. The coalition that stopped the construction of this ICE facility in its tracks is the same one that can help Democrats win back the House in November, hold those responsible for these harms accountable, and fight for comprehensive immigration reform once Democrats control Congress.

If there’s one thing we know about the Trump administration, it’s that they won’t relent in their efforts to terrorize our communities and spread fear among our neighbors through ICE. But there’s also something they should know about us: We’ll never stop fighting to keep ICE out of New Hampshire and defend our neighbors from any and all efforts to strip people of basic human rights.

To all the activists, organizers, and courageous community leaders: thank you for everything you do.