New Hampshire Becomes First New England State to Ban Sanctuary Cities

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire has taken a bold step as the first New England state to outlaw sanctuary cities, with Governor Kelly Ayotte signing legislation that prohibits local jurisdictions from limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. At the bill signing ceremony in the state Capitol, Ayotte declared, "There will be no sanctuary cities in New Hampshire, period, end of story."

The new laws, passed along party lines in the Republican-controlled state legislature, aim to ensure local law enforcement works hand-in-hand with federal immigration officials. Ayotte, a former U.S. senator and state attorney general, emphasized public safety, stating, "New Hampshire is the safest state in the nation, and this ban ensures we stay that way."

The move aligns New Hampshire with a growing number of states cracking down on sanctuary policies, which restrict local cooperation in deporting undocumented immigrants. Ayotte’s campaign for governor leaned heavily on this issue, with her slogan, "Don’t Mass up New Hampshire," taking a jab at neighboring Massachusetts’ more lenient immigration stance. She highlighted Massachusetts’ struggles, noting, "We don’t want their billion-dollar illegal immigration crisis here."

Supporters, like State Sen. Bill Gannon and Rep. Joe Sweeney, argue the laws strengthen safety by allowing law enforcement to target "criminal illegal aliens." The legislation comes amid broader national debates, with President Donald Trump recently signing an executive order threatening to cut federal funding to sanctuary jurisdictions.

However, Democrats like State Rep. David Meuse criticized the ban, calling it a "politically manufactured campaign" that unfairly targets immigrants who "love America." Despite the opposition, Ayotte stood firm, expressing puzzlement at the lack of bipartisan support.

While the New Hampshire Municipal Association claims no sanctuary cities exist in the state, some Republican lawmakers point to a handful of towns labeled as "welcoming cities" that foster inclusive environments. The debate over these designations underscores the polarized views on immigration policy in the Granite State.