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CONCORD, NH – House Republicans, led by Deputy Majority Leader Joe Sweeney (R-Salem), introduced a new bill aimed at prohibiting sanctuary city policies in New Hampshire. The proposed legislation, HB511-FN, titled the “Anti-Sanctuary Act,” seeks to ensure state and local law enforcement cooperate with federal immigration authorities and prohibits policies that impede enforcement efforts.
“If we do not have secure borders and common-sense immigration policies, then we do not have a country,” said Rep. Sweeney during his statement to the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee. He emphasized the urgency of the legislation, citing what he described as “disastrous sanctuary state policies” in neighboring Massachusetts, which he argued threaten the safety and security of New Hampshire communities.
What the Bill Proposes
The bill outlines strict prohibitions against what it terms "sanctuary policies," defined as measures that restrict cooperation between local or state law enforcement and federal immigration agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Specific actions barred under the proposed legislation include:
Refusing to comply with federal immigration detainers or requests for notification regarding the release of detainees.
Denying federal immigration agencies access to inmates for interviews.
Limiting law enforcement participation in immigration enforcement programs authorized by federal law.
The bill also establishes enforcement mechanisms, empowering the attorney general to file lawsuits against municipalities or agencies that adopt sanctuary policies. Courts would be required to issue injunctions to halt any such policies and maintain oversight to ensure compliance.
Republican Concerns Over Public Safety
Republicans have framed HB511 as a necessary step to safeguard public safety in the Granite State. In his statement, Sweeney pointed to past incidents, including the apprehension of an illegal immigrant wanted for murder in Rye, NH, as evidence of the risks posed by sanctuary policies. He also accused New Hampshire Democrats of downplaying the border crisis and resisting measures to secure the state’s northern border.
“Republicans are stepping up to protect our communities by refusing to turn a blind eye to illegal immigration and the catastrophic sanctuary policies that have been a scourge on our public safety,” Sweeney added.
Democrats Raise Opposition
New Hampshire Democrats have already expressed their opposition to the bill, arguing that it could undermine trust between law enforcement and local communities. Critics contend that requiring local police to cooperate extensively with federal immigration agencies could discourage immigrant communities from reporting crimes or cooperating with investigations, ultimately harming public safety.
Republicans have countered these concerns by including provisions in the bill that exempt victims and witnesses of serious crimes from immigration enforcement. They argue this strikes a balance between maintaining public safety and ensuring fairness in enforcement.
Context and Broader Implications
New Hampshire currently does not have any self-identified sanctuary cities, but the issue has become increasingly relevant as debates over immigration policy continue nationwide. Republican lawmakers assert that the bill is preemptive, ensuring no municipality in the state adopts policies similar to those in Massachusetts or other sanctuary jurisdictions.
The proposed law reflects a broader national trend among Republican-led legislatures to push back against sanctuary city policies. If passed, HB511 would take effect on January 1, 2026, giving state and local agencies time to adjust policies and practices.
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