We, the undersigned, are gravely concerned with the choices our state has made, when confronted with federal attacks on our democratic institutions and abuses of our neighbors and communities. Instead of standing up and protecting Granite Staters from federal overreach, state leaders have opted to be complicit with egregious federal abuses.

We are a growing network of individuals and groups who have come together to form sanctuary communities. We call ourselves “sanctuary” because this sacred word reminds us of what we want to be for each other, a safe space where every human being is respected, where we care for each other and help protect one another, where we aim to do the right thing and stand up against the violence and suffering we see inflicted on our communities and across the nation.

Across the country, armed and masked federal officers have invaded cities, snatching people off the street, shoving them into unmarked vehicles, and locking them up in detention centers, with frequent transfers that make due process of law next to impossible. Here in NH, ICE arrests have more than tripled this year. Places of business have been raided and individuals have been tackled as they enter courtrooms. Every day, New Hampshire’s immigrant workers, students, and entrepreneurs, are burdened to survive each day with a target on their backs.

These brutal actions are causing terrible suffering and fear among hard-working, law-abiding people who fear racial profiling, seizure, physical assault, and being torn from their families, loved ones and communities. The sheer cruelty of the current approach has led to broad-based condemnation from human rights groups and faith leaders – all decrying the assaults on fundamental human dignity.

Despite the harm to our neighbors, we see some of our elected leaders in NH supporting this cruel federal agenda. Earlier this year, the NH legislature enacted two anti-sanctuary laws; and further anti-immigrant bills are now pending. These laws do nothing to make our communities safer nor to improve well-being in our state; instead, they undermine local businesses, local governance, and local budget priorities, as well as tourism – a key pillar of the NH economy.

Further, some county commissioners have contracted or are considering contracting with ICE to incarcerate people seized from across the state and region. In addition, the NH state police, four county sheriffs, and several local police departments have signed 287(g) agreements that deputize their officers to serve as immigration enforcement agents. This diverts state and local officers away from their regular law enforcement duties in an effort to help enact a cruel federal agenda – undermining any effort to build community trust at the expense of NH taxpayers.

The people of New Hampshire do NOT want our resources used to support this cruel – and too often unlawful and unconstitutional – mass arrest and detention system.

With this letter, we urge the Governor and Executive Council – along with other elected leaders and ordinary Granite Staters – to protect us from unlawful, unconstitutional and harmful ICE actions. Do not succumb to federal pressure and the temptation of funds from ICE. Do not allow New Hampshire to be complicit in illegal and immoral federal actions that harm our neighbors.  

There are many ways of embarking on the course correction we are urging, including:

1. Work with the state legislature to repeal the two anti-sanctuary laws passed in May 2025, and ensure that further anti-immigrant bills do not become law;
2. Urge the NH state police, county sheriffs, and local police to withdraw from 287(g) agreements and rededicate themselves to the real safety of our communities;
3. Urge county jails in NH not to enter into contracts to incarcerate persons seized and locked up for civil violations related to immigration; and
4. Promote and support programs statewide that celebrate our diversity and the contributions of generations of immigrant communities to our economy and culture, and ensure that the visitors who have long flocked to our state’s natural beauty feel welcome.

New Hampshire has the chance to be a much-needed moral compass, modeling respectful treatment of all residents, upholding democratic principles and constitutional guarantees. That is who we are in the Granite State. That’s the real New Hampshire way.

As our elected representatives, please take up these calls to action. We stand ready to work with you in all such efforts. Thank you.

Sincerely,

NH Residents