Dozens urge Rockingham County not to contract with ICE; board pledges public hearing before any vote
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Summary
Public comment at the Nov. 20 Rockingham County meeting focused on opposition to a potential contract with ICE to house detainees. Multiple residents, faith leaders and an attorney warned of constitutional and fiscal liability; Hazel Spires said attorneys will deliver a legal memo on potential county liability within about two weeks.
During the public-comment period at the Nov. 20 Rockingham County Board of Commissioners meeting, a sustained group of residents and community leaders urged the board not to enter a contract with the federal immigration enforcement agency to detain people in county facilities.
Jo Jordan opened the public-comments sequence saying she opposed ICE operations in New Hampshire and argued that nonviolent people and some U.S. citizens could be swept up. Attorney Hazel Spires, who identified herself as living in Portsmouth, said a voluntary group of attorneys is preparing a memo on potential legal liability and promised to deliver it to the county within about 7–10 days. "We'll have that in the next week and a half, really," Spires said.
Other commenters included faith leaders and local residents who raised constitutional, procedural and fiscal concerns. Bonnie Christian said she opposed the sheriff's office participating with ICE and warned the county could face unexpected costs. Reverend Cheryl Stromski, representing faith communities, said increased ICE activity is causing fear in immigrant families and urged the board to consider the human consequences.
The chair said the board has decided to hold a public hearing before any vote on a contract and that the county will post notice and notify union leadership. "We do not have a contract yet," the chair said, adding that the timing is unknown but that notice will be posted on the county website and union leaders will be told.
No board vote on a contract took place at the meeting. The public-comment speakers urged immediate rescission of any offer and urged county leaders to forego partnering on ICE detention until legal and community questions are addressed.