“There will be no sanctuary cities in New Hampshire, period, end of story,” declared Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte yesterday upon signing a law enshrining that policy into law.
The state — the first in New England to do so — joined a growing list of states banning the poliicies, which prevent local authorities from aiding in the enforcement of immigration laws.
Gov. Ayotte is a former state attorney general and U.S. Senator. In her 2024 campaign for governor, she made banning sanctuary cities a key issue. Her campaign slogan was “Don’t Mass up New Hampshire,” referring to the pro-illegal policies of neighboring Massachusetts. At the bill signing, she said:
New Hampshire is ranked the safest state in the nation, and I was glad I was able to sign the bill banning sanctuary cities to make sure we remain that way.
State representative Joe Sweeney, the lead sponsor of the bill in the House, added:
We are taking the handfcuffs off our law enforcement officers, and hopefully they’ll be able to work with our federal government, ICE, to put the handcuffs on the criminal illegal aliens that are violating and disobeying our laws.
Between nine and 12 cities and towns in New Hampshire have been identified over the years as welcoming or sanctuary cities.
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