1. United States
2. N.H.
3. Letter

I am a resident of New Hampshire writing in strong support of House Bill 1609, the proposal to prohibit the use of state, county, and municipal funds and property for the construction, renovation, operation, or subsidization of immigrant detention facilities. This measure wisely recognizes that immigration enforcement is primarily a federal responsibility and that New Hampshire’s limited public resources should not be diverted to subsidize private detention infrastructure when there are known issues with treatment and oversight at many such facilities. Prohibiting public investment in these facilities protects our communities from assuming costs and burdens that should not fall on local taxpayers, prevents the repurposing of public property in ways that could strain municipal services, and ensures that state and local priorities remain focused on public safety, health, and essential services. By supporting fiscally responsible policy and affirming our state’s commitment to human dignity and community wellbeing, HB 1609 would help ensure that New Hampshire’s public funds are used in ways that reflect the values and best interests of Granite Staters. I urge the legislature to advance this bill.