CONCORD, N.H. - The ACLU of New Hampshire today released the following statement following Governor Chris Sununu’s signing of the state budget.
Devon Chaffee, Executive Director of the ACLU of New Hampshire, said:
“With Governor Sununu’s signature on the state budget, we now have a law for the public disclosure of federal immigration checkpoints in New Hampshire–a major victory that has been a key priority of our organization for years. Alongside our recent court settlement that disallows federal immigration checkpoints in Woodstock through January 1, 2025, this new law means that, should there be one after that date, there will have to be notice given to the public by state and local officials who are informed of the checkpoint–and we’ll be watching. We are thankful to the legislators who voted to support this law and for Governor Sununu’s signature.
“However, the budget also includes $1.4 million for a so-called ‘Northern Border Alliance’ program, which is in reality a massive expansion of policing and surveillance in New Hampshire’s north country. This measure was proposed, debated, passed, and signed into law through fear tactics and political games, and in reality, there is no data to support the claims that people are crossing the New Hampshire-Canada border without authorization. Make no mistake: we will closely monitor law enforcement’s actions in the north and hold accountable how every dollar is spent.