Know Your Rights and How to Support Immigrant Communities in New Hampshire
As ICE continues to terrorize communities across New Hampshire and the nation, it is crucial that people understand the rights everyone has when encountering or documenting ICE activity and the many ways we can support and protect our immigrant communities.
We want to elevate up-to-date, trusted information from ACLU-NH, Welcoming NH, NH Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees – MIRA Coalition, Granite State Organizing Project, and other resources.
Know Your Rights When Interacting With ICE
Remember that you have constitutional rights, regardless of immigration status. Among them are:
- You have the right to remain silent and do not have to answer questions about your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the United States.
- You do not have to open your door unless ICE presents a judicial warrant signed by a judge.
- You can ask if you are free to leave. If the answer is yes, you may calmly walk away.
- You should not sign anything without speaking to a lawyer
- You have the right to speak with an attorney before answering questions
Read more HERE.
How to Report ICE Activity or Get Help
If you witness misconduct by ICE or other federal agents, you can report it to the NH Attorney General’s office HERE.
How to Support our Immigrant Communities
There are many ways to support immigrant neighbors and families in New Hampshire. Consider donating your time, talents, or money to trusted organizations like:
New Hampshire Specific Legislation
New Hampshire has enacted a series of laws that limit how and when state and local agencies can cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Take a minute to read this helpful article from Business NH magazine, talking about how recent immigration policies threaten the future of New Hampshire.
Key pieces of legislation introduced in New Hampshire:
- SB 62 – Participation in Federal Immigration Enforcement
- This bill prohibits the state and political subdivisions from blocking law enforcement from entering into 287(g) agreements with ICE. Signed into law January 1st, 2026.
- HB1609 – Prohibit Use of Public Funds for Immigrant Detention
- Would prevent New Hampshire and its counties/towns from spending money on immigrant detention facilities or aiding in detaining immigrants, with exceptions for agencies in 287 (g) agreements. Filed/Hearing stage
- HB1709 – Rental Eligibility Based on Immigration Status
- Introduced in late 2025 and in play for the 2026 session, this bill would criminalize failing to disclose unlawful presence when applying for rental housing.
- HB1570 – Law Enforcement Budget Authority for Immigration Enforcement
- This bill focuses on budget authority tied to immigration enforcement cooperation.