New Hampshire Gov Ayotte says DHS halted plans to build ICE facility in state

New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R) said Tuesday that the Department of Homeland Security halted plans to build a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in the state after she met with Secretary Kristi Noem.Ayotte met with Noem in Washington, D.C., last week, The Hill news outlet reported.
“I’m pleased to announce that the Department of Homeland Security will not move forward with the proposed ICE facility in Merrimack,” Ayotte posted on X. “During my trip to Washington last week, I had productive discussions with Secretary Kristi Noem.
“I thank her for hearing the concerns of the Town of Merrimack and for the continued cooperation between DHS and New Hampshire law enforcement to secure our northern border, keep dangerous criminals off our streets, and ensure our communities are safe.”
Noem told Reuters that the meeting occurred, saying New Hampshire remains a “strong partner” on immigration enforcement measures. 
Meanwhile, Maryland on Monday filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its plans to convert a warehouse into an ICE facility just outside of Williamsport.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown (D) cited concerns over the town’s ability to maintain a large group of detainees, alleging that runoff from the site could impact environmentally protected areas.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) also criticized the move, saying that lawmakers were not given notice.
“No administration is above the law. Our people must be heard when the federal government makes decisions that affect their health, their safety, and their communities,” Moore said in a statement. 
“DHS spent more than $100 million in taxpayer money to purchase a Washington County warehouse to serve as an ICE detention facility—without an environmental review and without public input. The State of Maryland is filing this lawsuit because DHS must be held to the same legal standard as every other federal agency,” he added.

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