Overview
- The Washington Post described a national blueprint using 16 smaller processing centers, including a potential Merrimack site holding 500–1,500 people, feeding seven staging warehouses of 5,000–10,000 detainees each.
- Merrimack’s town manager said local officials learned of the idea from the Post and that the governor’s office also reported no knowledge of any planned facility.
- ICE and the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to reporters’ questions about the reported effort.
- New Hampshire Democrats and immigrant-rights advocates warned of constitutional and health risks in converted warehouses, while several Republicans welcomed the prospect of expanded removals.
- Merrimack County’s administrator said the county has no agreement with ICE to house detainees, noting the concept could be reconsidered in 2026.