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New Hampshire House Rejects Bill Mandating Local ICE Approval

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/2 .. e-rejects-bill-mandating-local-ice-approval.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 12:05 GMT by New Hampshire Union Leader
      Locales: New Hampshire, UNITED STATES

CONCORD, NH - February 27, 2026 - In a contentious session that highlighted deep divisions over immigration policy, the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted down House Bill 1192 on Wednesday, effectively rejecting a measure that would have mandated local approval for agreements between state police departments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The vote, 188-167, followed hours of debate and underscores the ongoing tension between local autonomy and federal cooperation on immigration enforcement.

The defeated bill aimed to introduce greater transparency and local oversight to collaborations between New Hampshire law enforcement and ICE. Proponents argued the bill was a necessary safeguard against potentially damaging impacts on communities, while opponents contended it represented an unwarranted intrusion into established law enforcement protocols.

Under the proposed legislation, any agreement allowing a New Hampshire police department to partner with ICE would have required the affirmative approval of the relevant local governing body - be it a city council, board of selectmen, or county commission. This would have effectively given local communities a direct voice in deciding whether or not to participate in ICE-led enforcement activities within their jurisdictions.

Representative Sarah Plake, D-Hopkinton, a key supporter of the bill, emphasized the importance of community involvement. "Residents deserve to know what's happening in their neighborhoods and have a say in decisions that directly affect their lives," she stated during the debate. "These agreements can have significant consequences, and it's crucial that local officials have the opportunity to assess those consequences and ensure they align with the values and priorities of their communities."

Conversely, Representative Robert Ducharme, R-North Hampton, voiced strong opposition, arguing the bill constituted an unnecessary restriction on law enforcement's ability to collaborate with federal agencies. "This is a clear example of overreach," he argued. "It ties the hands of our officers and hinders their ability to effectively investigate and address criminal activity, particularly when immigration status is a factor."

The debate surrounding HB 1192 reflects a national trend: the increasing scrutiny of ICE agreements, often referred to as "287(g) agreements" (referencing Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act). These agreements delegate immigration enforcement authority to state and local law enforcement agencies. While proponents argue they enhance public safety by freeing up federal resources, critics raise concerns about racial profiling, erosion of trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, and the potential for civil rights violations.

Initially, HB 1192 contained a provision requiring the New Hampshire Department of Justice to collect and report data on all existing and proposed immigration enforcement agreements to the legislature. This would have provided lawmakers with a comprehensive understanding of the scope and nature of these partnerships. However, that provision was removed in committee, likely in an attempt to garner broader support. Even with the compromise, the bill ultimately failed to secure enough votes for passage.

The outcome of the vote is likely to embolden those who favor closer cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE. However, advocates for immigrant rights and community policing are vowing to continue pushing for greater transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement practices. Several organizations are already planning town hall meetings and public forums to educate residents about ICE agreements and advocate for policies that protect immigrant communities.

The defeat of HB 1192 leaves New Hampshire as one of several states with limited or no regulations governing ICE partnerships. This creates a patchwork of enforcement practices across the country, raising questions about consistency and fairness. The debate is far from over, and similar legislation is expected to be reintroduced in future sessions. The core issues - local control, transparency, and the impact of immigration enforcement on communities - are likely to remain at the forefront of the political landscape for years to come.