Lawmakers Press Bill Barry on Immigration Enforcement Ahead of Sheriff’s Election

MANCHESTER, N.H. — The Hillsborough County delegation, composed of state representatives, is set to vote on March 5 to appoint a new Hillsborough County Sheriff following the resignation of former Sheriff Chris Connelly, who stepped down to serve as Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s chief of staff.

Bill Barry

With the selection process underway, a group of Republican lawmakers has sent a letter to Democratic candidate Bill Barry, calling on him to clarify his stance on immigration enforcement. Specifically, they want to know whether Barry would follow the lead of Cheshire County Sheriff Eli Rivera, who has directed his deputies not to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers.

In the letter, signed by over 30 Republican state representatives, Barry is asked to outline his position on key law enforcement issues, particularly federal cooperation on immigration matters. The lawmakers argue that policies like Rivera’s could compromise public safety by preventing local authorities from assisting federal agencies in removing individuals who are in the country illegally.

Republicans Seek Commitment to Federal Cooperation

The letter lays out several critical questions for Barry:

• Would he refuse to cooperate with ICE detainers, as Rivera has done?

• Would he ensure collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies?

• Would he enforce the law impartially, free from political influence?

• What is his stance on bail reform, which the letter suggests has contributed to rising crime rates in other jurisdictions?

“The citizens of Hillsborough County deserve a sheriff who prioritizes public safety over political agendas,” the letter states.

Republican lawmakers argue that voters—and in this case, the state representatives who will decide the appointment—deserve to know whether Barry will support full cooperation with federal immigration authorities or take a more restrictive approach.

Barry’s Law Enforcement Background and Previous Sheriff’s Run

Barry, a longtime law enforcement officer and current Manchester alderman, has extensive experience in public safety. He previously ran for Hillsborough County Sheriff in 2020 but lost to then-incumbent Chris Connelly by 111,835 to 101,600. Connelly went on to win re-election in 2024 but resigned earlier this year to take the chief of staff position in Gov. Ayotte’s administration.

With the office of sheriff now vacant, Barry has put forward his candidacy for the appointment, though he has not yet publicly responded to the concerns raised in the Republican letter. His stance on immigration enforcement is shaping up to be a key issue as the county delegation prepares to vote.

Sheriff Eli Rivera’s Approach Becomes a Flashpoint

Cheshire County Sheriff Eli Rivera’s refusal to honor ICE detainers has become a point of contention in law enforcement and political circles. Rivera has defended his policy as a means to build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, arguing that such trust is essential for public safety.

Sheriff Eli Rivera

However, critics—including many of the Republican lawmakers who signed the letter—argue that refusing to comply with ICE requests allows individuals who should be deported, including those with criminal records, to remain in local communities. They contend that the role of sheriff is to uphold the law without political considerations.

With Rivera’s policies serving as a backdrop to the Hillsborough County appointment process, Republican lawmakers want to ensure that Barry does not take a similar approach if selected.

March 5 Appointment and Political Implications

Unlike a traditional election, the next Hillsborough County Sheriff will be chosen by a vote of the county delegation, which is made up of state representatives from across the county. This process places added emphasis on the political dynamics within the delegation and the positions of the candidates.

Republicans, who have made law enforcement cooperation with ICE a central issue, are seeking assurances that the next sheriff will not implement policies similar to those of Rivera. Meanwhile, Barry’s supporters point to his decades of law enforcement experience and his record of public service as reasons why he is qualified for the position.

As the appointment vote approaches, Barry’s position on immigration enforcement could weigh heavily on the delegation’s decision. With more than 30 Republican lawmakers publicly pressing him for answers, his response—or lack thereof—could play a decisive role in determining whether he secures the appointment.