New Hampshire Gov. Ayotte Signs Sanctuary City Ban Laws

New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte signed two bills banning sanctuary city policies and enhancing cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, fulfilling a major campaign promise. House Bill 511 prohibits municipalities from adopting policies that shield undocumented immigrants from detention or prevent police from assisting with federal immigration enforcement, while Senate Bill 62 removes local authority to block law enforcement from entering agreements with ICE. Ayotte emphasized that these laws will maintain New Hampshire's status as the safest state in the nation and prevent it from experiencing immigration-related issues like those seen in Massachusetts. The bills passed largely along party lines and override existing local ordinances in towns such as Peterborough, Hanover, and Lebanon, which had policies limiting immigration enforcement by police. Opponents argue that the laws infringe on civil liberties and local control, but supporters contend the measures take the "handcuffs off" law enforcement to target criminal illegal immigrants. The new laws take effect in phases, with most provisions starting in January, and opponents are exploring potential legal challenges by municipalities.