Buttigieg Condemns Proposed ICE Facility in New Hampshire

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 19:01 GMT by New Hampshire Union Leader
      Locales: New Hampshire, UNITED STATES

Buttigieg Condemns Proposed ICE Facility in Merrimack, NH - A Sign of Growing National Debate

MERRIMACK, NH - Former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg sharply criticized a proposal to construct an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Merrimack, New Hampshire, during a campaign stop Thursday intended to bolster the reelection bid of U.S. Representative Chris Pappas. The visit highlighted a growing national debate surrounding immigration policy and the role of detention centers within the system.

Speaking at a local coffee shop on Daniel Webster Highway, Buttigieg labeled the proposed facility a "detriment" to both the Merrimack community and the wider region. This facility is one of several being considered across New Hampshire, all facing significant pushback from residents and Democratic officials who argue they represent a flawed approach to immigration.

"I think it's a mistake," Buttigieg stated emphatically. "I don't think that's the kind of message we want to send about our community. It's not the kind of opportunity we want to create." His comments reflect a broader sentiment among Democrats that focusing on detention as a primary solution is both inhumane and ineffective.

Representative Pappas, a consistent and vocal opponent of the project, echoed Buttigieg's concerns. He argued that building an ICE detention center would be a damaging step backward in addressing the complex challenges of the nation's immigration system. "This is not about keeping our country safe," Pappas declared. "This is about warehousing vulnerable people."

The proposed facility, planned for a 50-acre lot near the Everett Turnpike, has ignited considerable local opposition. Residents express worries about potential negative impacts on property values, increased traffic, and a general decline in the quality of life. Beyond the economic concerns, many citizens voice moral objections to housing detained individuals within their community.

Buttigieg and Pappas both emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform, shifting the focus from detention to creating viable pathways to citizenship. Buttigieg articulated a vision centered on integration and opportunity. "We need to be creating opportunities for people who want to contribute to our society," he said, "Not warehousing them in detention centers." This sentiment resonates with advocates who champion more humane and effective immigration policies. The current system, they argue, is costly, inefficient, and often separates families.

The debate in Merrimack mirrors similar controversies unfolding across the country. ICE has been seeking to expand its detention capacity, citing increased border encounters and the need to enforce immigration laws. However, critics point to the human rights concerns associated with detention centers, including reports of inadequate medical care, overcrowding, and abuse. Organizations like the ACLU and Human Rights Watch have consistently documented these issues, calling for a reduction in the reliance on detention.

Furthermore, the economic arguments for building these facilities are also being challenged. While proponents claim they will create jobs, opponents argue that the costs associated with operating and maintaining the centers, as well as the potential negative impact on local economies due to decreased tourism and investment, outweigh any economic benefits.

Buttigieg's visit is part of a broader strategy to support Democratic candidates nationwide, offering both fundraising assistance and campaign endorsements. His involvement in the New Hampshire race underscores the importance of immigration as a key issue in the upcoming elections. By lending his voice to the opposition of the Merrimack facility, Buttigieg aims to galvanize support for Pappas and to raise awareness about the need for more progressive immigration policies.

The situation in Merrimack serves as a microcosm of the larger national conversation about immigration. It highlights the tension between security concerns, humanitarian obligations, and economic considerations. As the debate continues, communities across the country will be forced to grapple with these complex issues and determine the kind of immigration system they want to build. The future of immigration reform will likely depend on the ability to bridge the divide between those who prioritize enforcement and those who champion pathways to citizenship.