The Hanover Selectboard unanimously voted to adopt a policing ordinance that will expand the town’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Dec. 8. This concludes months of deliberation over how best to comply with a July 21 state law that mandates that local government cannot impede ICE investigations.
According to Town Manager Robert Houseman, the potential reductions from the New Hampshire state budget amounted to around 25% of Hanover’s state funding, or $350,000 dollars. If Hanover did not comply, the town also risked getting added to a sanctuary cities list and stripped of federal funding.
“The objective here is to make the ordinance clear,” Callaghan said. “Specificity not only provides accountability but it also brings clarity and comfort to residents, our workforce and visitors.”
On Nov. 3, the town held a public hearing, where 13 residents voiced opinions about the proposed changes. All but one who spoke vehemently opposed the revisions, arguing that Hanover had the means to make a symbolic stand against the immigration policies of the current administration.
The Selectboard primarily altered Section VI and Section VII of the ordinance. New language now bars the town from writing policy that concerns ICE collaboration with the Hanover Police Department. A line in Section VII preventing department officers from “aiding or participating in civil immigration enforcement activities” was removed.
The newly revised Section VI C details that “the [police] department shall comply with the [ICE] detainer to the extent required under RSA 106-P, provided the detainer is facially sufficient, supported by probable cause and accompanied by a lawful warrant.”
“I know not everyone will agree with our decision,” Town Manager Robert Houseman said during the Dec. 8 meeting. “We have to find the right way to go … this is reasonable and appropriate.”
In a written statement to The Dartmouth, Selectboard member Jennie Chamberlain said the revisions aimed to preserve “fair and lawful policing practices.”
The Selectboard meets every other Monday at 7 p.m. in the town offices at 41 South Main St. Meetings are open to the public.
