New Hampshire Becomes First New England State to Prohibit Sanctuary Cities

New Hampshire Sets a Precedent for Sanctuary City Ban

CONCORD, N.H. — On Thursday, New Hampshire made headlines by becoming the first state in New England to outlaw sanctuary cities. This significant move reflects a growing trend among states aiming to tighten immigration policies.

Republican Governor Kelly Ayotte emphatically declared, “There will be no sanctuary cities in New Hampshire, period, end of story,” during a bill signing ceremony held at the state Capitol. Her commitment to ending sanctuary cities aligns with her campaign promises during the recent gubernatorial election.

Details of the New Legislation

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital shortly after the signing, Ayotte emphasized that the measures enacted not only ban sanctuary cities but also promote cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. This dual approach aims to bolster public safety while maintaining the rule of law.

Sanctuary cities have become a contentious issue in national politics, defined as jurisdictions that limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. With this new legislation, New Hampshire joins other states that have taken similar stances on the issue, reflecting a broader shift in immigration policy.

Ayotte’s Stance on Immigration

Governor Ayotte is not new to the debate surrounding immigration. As a former state attorney general and a U.S. senator, she made the ban on sanctuary cities a central issue in her successful 2024 campaign for governor. Her strategy involved contrasting New Hampshire’s tougher stance with the more lenient immigration policies of neighboring Massachusetts.

During her campaign, Ayotte adopted the slogan “Don’t Mass Up New Hampshire,” referencing her concerns regarding Massachusetts’ ongoing illegal immigration challenges. She stated, “I campaigned on making sure we would not have sanctuary cities here in New Hampshire, and we don’t want to go the way of Massachusetts that has faced significant illegal immigration issues.”

She advocates for legal immigration, asserting that upholding existing laws is crucial for public safety. “New Hampshire is ranked the safest state in the nation, and I’m glad to have signed this bill banning sanctuary cities to maintain our safety,” Ayotte remarked.

Legislative Support and Party Lines

The two bills that led to the ban were predominantly passed along party lines in the Republican-controlled state legislature. State Senator Bill Gannon, a leading sponsor of the legislation, expressed confidence that this move would enhance the safety of communities across New Hampshire.

State Representative Joe Sweeney, who sponsored the bills in the House, further remarked on the benefits of the legislation, saying, “We are taking the handcuffs off our law enforcement officers, which will enable them to collaborate effectively with federal agents to address the challenges posed by criminal illegal aliens.”

National Backdrop of Sanctuary City Policies

Former President Donald Trump played a significant role in bringing the issue of sanctuary cities to the national forefront during his presidency. He consistently criticized them, intertwining the topic with his campaign message around immigration reform. In response to sanctuary cities, Trump signed an executive order last month threatening to withhold federal funding from those jurisdictions.

As the issue escalates, some Democrats in New Hampshire have openly criticized the recent legislation, noting that it aligns with the administration’s federal efforts to crack down on immigrant communities.

The Opposition’s Perspective

Opponents of the legislation, including State Representative David Meuse, have voiced concerns regarding the implications of the bills. Meuse argued, “What this bill does, under the guise of enabling New Hampshire law enforcement to support federal immigration efforts, is turn our state into a willing accomplice in a politically motivated campaign against immigrants, many of whom have come here with good intentions.”

Despite this opposition, Governor Ayotte pointed out that the lack of bipartisan support was puzzling, stating, “I don’t understand where the Democrats are on these policies that aim to protect our community.”

Sanctuary Cities in New Hampshire

According to the New Hampshire Municipal Association, there are currently no declared sanctuary cities in the state. However, several towns have adopted the designation of “welcoming cities,” aiming to foster inclusive environments for all residents, regardless of background.

Republican lawmakers have identified between nine and twelve cities that they argue have operated under sanctuary-like policies in the past. This claim underscores the tension surrounding the definitions and implications of sanctuary cities within New Hampshire.

Future Implications and Community Reactions

The passage of these bills may shape the future of immigration policy in New Hampshire, as the debate surrounding sanctuary cities continues to evolve. As communities grapple with their values and priorities, the impact of such laws on local safety and immigrant populations remains to be seen.

Overall, New Hampshire’s decision to ban sanctuary cities marks a pivotal moment in the state’s immigration policy, reflecting broader national trends and stirring discussions about public safety, legal immigration, and community values.