Gov. Kelly Ayotte just slammed the door on sanctuary policies in New Hampshire. On Thursday, she signed a bill that forces local law enforcement to work with federal immigration authorities, as Just the News reports, ensuring that the Granite State doesn’t roll out the welcome mat for chaos. This move is a bold stand against the progressive playbook that has turned cities like Boston into magnets for trouble.
The new law, backed by Republicans, bans cities and towns from shielding unauthorized migrants by limiting cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Police must now detain suspects flagged by ICE for up to 48 hours, and local governments can ink 287(g) agreements to team up with federal agents. It’s a clear signal: New Hampshire prioritizes law and order over woke posturing.
At the signing ceremony, Ayotte didn’t mince words as she was surrounded by legislative leaders and law enforcement officials. “I said from the beginning that we won’t let our state go the way of Massachusetts and their billion-dollar illegal immigrant crisis,” she declared. Sorry, governor, but Massachusetts might need more than a catchy slogan to fix that mess.
Ayotte’s campaign slogan, “Don’t Mass Up NH,” was front and center, plastered on a sign at the event. It’s a jab at Boston’s sanctuary policies, which she argues have fueled a costly crisis across the state line. Turns out, actions have consequences, and New Hampshire is not keen on footing the bill for progressive experiments.
The law directly challenges local ordinances in places like Manchester, where restrictions on cooperating with ICE detainers -- civil or criminal -- are now null and void. Republicans in the legislature pushed hard for this, claiming sanctuary policies hamstring efforts to tackle crime and terrorism. They’re not wrong -- harboring fugitives rarely screams “public safety.”
Democrats, predictably, cried foul, arguing that the bill makes communities less safe. They claim that forcing police to work with ICE scares people from reporting crimes over deportation fears. Sounds like they’re more worried about feelings than felonies.
Democrats also griped that local cops shouldn’t be roped into federal immigration enforcement, especially with deportations ramping up. Their logic? The say that diverting police from local duties to chase ICE’s targets somehow protects neighborhoods. Good luck selling that to folks tired of crime spilling over from sanctuary havens.
The bill’s passage marks a sharp contrast with neighboring Massachusetts, where Democrat-led resistance to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown is in full swing. New Hampshire is not playing that game. It’s refreshing to see a state choose clarity over capitulation.
Ayotte doubled down at the ceremony, stating, “Today, we’re delivering on our promise by banning sanctuary cities and supporting law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities.” That’s the kind of follow-through voters crave. Meanwhile, critics are left clutching pearls instead of solutions.
New Hampshire is already stepping up, with a recent agreement allowing state troopers to arrest and detain immigration suspects after federal training. This isn’t just talk -- it’s action, aligning state and federal efforts to keep communities secure. Sanctuary advocates might call it overreach; most call it common sense.
Republicans in the legislature framed the law as a bulwark against illegal immigration’s ripple effects. They argue sanctuary policies encourage border-hopping and tie law enforcement’s hands. It’s hard to argue when you see the chaos in cities that prioritize optics over order.
Democrats’ counterargument -- that cooperation with ICE chills community trust -- leans heavily on emotion, not evidence. If anything, refusing to enforce laws breeds distrust in the system itself. New Hampshire’s betting on accountability, not appeasement.
Ayotte sealed the deal with a final zinger: “New Hampshire will never be a sanctuary for criminals, and we will keep working every day to remain the safest state in the nation.” That’s a promise worth keeping. Unlike some neighbors, New Hampshire’s not afraid to draw a line in the sand.
The law’s impact will be felt immediately, as local governments scramble to comply or face legal pushback. Places like Manchester, once cozy with non-cooperation policies, now have to play by the state’s rules. It’s about time someone reminded them who’s in charge.
New Hampshire’s move is a wake-up call for states flirting with sanctuary status. While Democrats wail about compassion, Ayotte and her allies are focused on consequences -- keeping the state safe and sovereign. In a world of wishy-washy policies, that’s a breath of fresh air.
