Many thanks to all of you who have signed the petition and showed up at rallies to halt ICE flights at Pease International Airport.
The continued surge in disappearances and deportation of immigrants – so often without due process – is an affront to human decency, to our communities, and to our economy. Since July, Pease has been the primary hub for ICE flights in northern New England!
I write today, as a concerned Portsmouth resident, to provide an update on the petition you signed and to invite you to take further action.
In just a few short weeks, more than 2,000 people across our region have signed the petition to the Pease Development Authority Board, which oversees the airport. More than 70 people attended the board’s Aug. 19 meeting and offered compelling testimony. Momentum is growing for a broad campaign and I hope you can be part of it!
Here's how you can help this week:
- Email the Pease Development Authority with your concerns, using this online contact form. Include a message for any specific Board members who represent your community.
- Share this petition link with friends and family by email or social media. We’re aiming for at least 500 new signatures to bring to the Pease Development Authority next week.
- Share this paper flyer with neighbors and at community gatherings.
- Attend the Pease Development Authority Board meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 8am–10am. The meeting starts at 8:30. Arrive early to greet board members at the door and sign up to speak. Address is 55 International Drive, Portsmouth, NH.
In the past few weeks, concerned people and organizations have begun meeting to exchange information and sketch out a possible grassroots campaign to get ICE out of Pease. To stay connected or get more involved, please click and sign up here.
With gratitude to all who are lending their names, time and talents to this effort. Together, we can end ICE flights at Pease!
Janet L. Groat
Portsmouth, NH
GroatJanet@gmail.com