The Soapbox: Economic impact or economic illusion? A closer look at the Merrimack ICE proposal

read more…: The Soapbox: Economic impact or economic illusion? A closer look at the Merrimack ICE proposal

Before entering public service, I spent part of my professional career reviewing and drafting environmental and economic impact statements. Those documents shape major public decisions. They are supposed to present facts clearly, test assumptions rigorously, and weigh both benefits and costs honestly. I learned quickly that the most important question is not what an impact statement includes—but what it leaves out.

‘I felt a little gaslit’: Locals left scratching their heads at ICE plans for Merrimack warehouse

read more…: ‘I felt a little gaslit’: Locals left scratching their heads at ICE plans for Merrimack warehouse

Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s office shared two documents late Thursday that provide more detail about plans for an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Merrimack, saying she only received them that day from the Department of Homeland Security.

Senate hearing puts Merrimack ICE site in spotlight as Ayotte disputes prior knowledge, releases new documents

read more…: Senate hearing puts Merrimack ICE site in spotlight as Ayotte disputes prior knowledge, releases new documents

Just hours after U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-NH, was told during a Thursday Senate hearing by the acting director of ICE that the Department of Homeland Security “has worked with Governor Ayotte” on the economic impact of a proposed Merrimack ICE detention center, the governor released documents she says her office just requested and received following Thursday’s hearing.

DNCR Commissioner resigns after failing to inform governor of ICE inquiry on Merrimack detention site

read more…: DNCR Commissioner resigns after failing to inform governor of ICE inquiry on Merrimack detention site

Controversy over internal handling of a request by the federal government regarding a proposed immigrant detention center in Merrimack has resulted in the resignation of the Commissioner of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources – who fielded the request, but did not notify the governor.

Ayotte calls for review of state agency after documents show communication with ICE about detention facility

read more…: Ayotte calls for review of state agency after documents show communication with ICE about detention facility

“I don’t think it’s acceptable that the federal government has not provided more transparency on this,” Ayotte said.

ACLU-NH shares documents confirming detailed plans for Merrimack ICE detention center

read more…: ACLU-NH shares documents confirming detailed plans for Merrimack ICE detention center

 The ACLU of New Hampshire on Feb. 3, released public state documents that confirm detailed site plans for the proposed immigrant detention facility that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is seeking to create at 50 Robert Milligan Parkway in Merrimack.  

Support Ink Link