New Hampshire Enacts Ban on Sanctuary Cities, Diverging Further from Massachusetts
CONCORD, NH – In a move emphasizing the cultural and legislative differences between New Hampshire and Massachusetts, Governor Kelly Ayotte has signed a law banning “sanctuary cities” in the Granite State. "We won’t let our state go the way of Massachusetts and their billion-dollar illegal immigrant crisis," Ayotte asserted, marking the legislation as an extension of her commitment to law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Sanctuary cities typically refrain from involving local authorities in civil immigration processes, a stance often defended by municipalities as a separation of legal duties. Massachusetts, while not formally designated as a sanctuary state, has seen its Supreme Judicial Court clarify that local law enforcement cannot detain individuals solely based on federal immigration detainers.
Governor Maura Healey maintains Massachusetts is not a sanctuary state, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu describes her jurisdiction as "safe," emphasizing that the city does not inquire about immigration status when providing services.
In stark contrast, New Hampshire officially lacks sanctuary cities but features some areas that identify as "welcoming." Notably, Lebanon has enacted an ordinance to ensure local law enforcement does not assist in immigration enforcement.
Ayotte’s new law prohibits state or local entities from enacting policies that hinder cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. "New Hampshire will never be a sanctuary for criminals," she vowed, highlighting her administration’s goal of maintaining the state as one of the safest in the nation.
As the debate over immigration policies intensifies, the differences between New Hampshire and Massachusetts continue to define their respective approaches, illuminating the ongoing political discourse surrounding immigration at state and federal levels.
Originally Published: May 22, 2025
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