New Hampshire has taken a definitive stand against sanctuary cities with the recent signing of two bills into law by Governor Kelly Ayotte. During a ceremony at the State Capitol on Thursday, Ayotte confirmed that House Bill 511 and Senate Bill 62 effectively outlaw any municipality from creating policies that restrict local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The GOP-controlled legislature's passage of the bills marks a significant policy shift for New Hampshire, setting it apart from neighboring states with different immigration stances. "There will be no sanctuary cities in New Hampshire, period, end of story," Ayotte declared, underscoring her campaign commitment to prevent the state from following the path of Massachusetts and its immigration issues.
Governor Ayotte's signing of the legislation delivers on one of her key campaign promises and draws a stark contrast between New Hampshire and Massachusetts, with her frequently used slogan, "Don't Mass up New Hampshire," highlighting the perceived issues in the neighboring state. This move is in line with a broader agenda that has seen the 11th state in the United States legislate against sanctuary cities, a policy also supported by President Donald Trump's administration.
As the former attorney general and a U.S. Senator for New Hampshire, Ayotte has consistently been a vocal opponent of sanctuary city policies, which she describes as unlawful and a threat to public safety. Her administration emphasizes support for legal immigration while maintaining a firm stance against policies that could undermine federal immigration enforcement.
Backers of the new law, including State Sen. Bill Gannon and State Rep. Joe Sweeney, argue that such legislation is crucial for keeping New Hampshire safe and for allowing law enforcement to effectively collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Sweeney's statement, "We are taking the handcuffs off our law enforcement officers," illustrates the belief that the new law will enable more rigorous enforcement against illegal immigration.
Despite the enactment of this ban, the New Hampshire Municipal Association has confirmed that no cities in the state have formally declared themselves as sanctuary cities. However, this legislation preempts any such declarations and addresses concerns about towns that have identified themselves as "welcoming cities," which some see as potential precursors to sanctuary city policies.
The immediate enforcement of the law, as confirmed by the governor's office, reflects a swift response to align state policies with federal immigration laws. The move has garnered attention on social media, with Governor Ayotte tweeting, "Sanctuary cities are now BANNED in New Hampshire," further publicizing the state's new legal stance.
This legislative development in New Hampshire will likely prompt discussions on immigration policy at both state and national levels, as it reflects a growing trend among states to take a stance on sanctuary cities in relation to federal mandates.
