DHS Leaves Door Open for ICE Facility in New Hampshire

New Secretary Mullin declines to rule out potential detention center in Merrimack

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:00am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping, fragmented shapes in shades of blue, gray, and red, conceptually representing the divisive political debate over a potential ICE detention center.The prospect of an ICE detention facility in New Hampshire sparks concerns over civil liberties and community impacts.Concord Today

The Department of Homeland Security has not definitively ruled out the possibility of opening an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in New Hampshire, according to statements made by newly confirmed Secretary Markwayne Mullin during his confirmation hearing.

Why it matters

The prospect of an ICE detention center in New Hampshire has been a contentious political issue, with local community leaders and advocacy groups strongly opposing such a facility due to concerns over civil liberties, immigrant rights, and the potential economic and social impacts on the surrounding area.

The details

During his confirmation hearing, Secretary Mullin was questioned by U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan about previous plans for an ICE detention center in Merrimack, New Hampshire that were ultimately scrapped by former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. While Mullin stated he would work with community leaders, he declined to definitively reject the possibility of similar plans being revived under his leadership.

  • On March 18, 2026, Mullin was questioned about the Merrimack detention center plans during his confirmation hearing.
  • In the past, former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem had previously canceled plans for an ICE facility in Merrimack.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

The newly confirmed Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, previously a Republican senator from Oklahoma.

Maggie Hassan

A Democratic U.S. Senator from New Hampshire who questioned Mullin about the potential for an ICE facility in her state.

Kristi Noem

The former Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who had previously canceled plans for an ICE detention center in Merrimack, New Hampshire.

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What they’re saying

“I will work with the community leaders, but I'm not going to definitively rule anything out.”

— Markwayne Mullin, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security is expected to continue evaluating potential locations for ICE facilities, including in New Hampshire, though community leaders have vowed to strongly oppose any such plans.

The takeaway

The new DHS Secretary's refusal to rule out an ICE detention center in New Hampshire has reignited concerns among local residents and advocacy groups about the potential civil liberties and economic impacts of such a facility, setting the stage for a contentious political battle if the administration pursues this course of action.