Thursday, January 8th, 5:30 pm, Merrimack Town Hall (6 Baboosic Lake Rd, Merrimack)

1/8/2026: Parking Map Updated below, Merrimack Town Hall parking has been closed.

Dear Kent Street Friends,

The Trump administration is eyeing the Town of Merrimack as a possible New Hampshire location for its planned network of ICE-controlled immigrant detention and “processing” warehouses. The very idea is an affront to human dignity. The plan cannot be allowed to proceed here in New Hampshire or anywhere across our nation. 

Now is the time to raise our voices against the Trump administration’s cruel plan.

Kent Street Coalition is one of over 25 organizations sponsoring a peaceful protest organized by NO ICE NH. This non-violent event will be held this Thursday, January 8th outside the Merrimack Town Hall, from 5:30 till 7 pm. Those who wish can attend the town council meeting which begins at 7 pm.*

=>>> Important: Much effort has gone into planning to make sure the protest remains peaceful, respectful and focused on ICE and its efforts to warehouse human beings. Peacekeepers from the NH Peacekeeper Project will be present from 5 to 9 pm. The town has also asked police to be on hand. Please be aware that the failure to heed police warnings or requests could result in arrest. Also, please be aware that we expect counterprotesters to show up. Kent Street strongly discourages people from engaging with counter-protesters in any way that could lead to escalation. Remember, counter protesters seek to claim the narrative and the news by creating trouble. It is essential that we keep the focus on ICE!

=>>> Important: We are asking that everyone please read this Best Practices for Protest 2026. While we hope for a strong turnout, we encourage everyone to make their own best decision about whether and how to attend this event.

Parking could be a challenge. Please plan to carpool if possible. A parking map can be found here.

For those of you who had planned to attend Kent Street’s 8th Annual Legislative Review, please note that the program will be recorded. To receive the recording, please register for the program here.

Whether or not you are able to attend the protest, we urge everyone to contact Governor Ayotter, our Senators and our Congresspeople: Tell them to stop the warehousing of human beings by ICE! No warehousing of human beings in New Hampshire! 

• Governor Ayotte, 603-271-2121

• Senator Shaheen: 603-750-3004, 603-647-7500, 202-224-2841

• Senator Hassan: 603-880-3314, 603-622-2204, 202-224-3324

• Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander: (202) 225-5206, (603) 226-1002(603) 595-2006, (603) 444-7700

• Congressman Pappas: 603-285-4300, 603-935-6710, 202-225-5456

With eyes on the prize, and always with gratitude,

Louise

* As of this writing, it is not yet clear if public comment will be taken at the beginning or the end of the meeting. Some people and organizations may be remaining outside from 7 to 9 while the meeting takes place, but it is our recommendation that people leave at 7 if not attending the council meeting.

Priority will be given to Merrimack residents.  The room fits about 80 people, and there is an overflow room for about 30 more. Non-residents *may* have the opportunity to address the town council at the end of the evening, as time allows.  Another option is to offer a written statement to the town council.  All non-residents are encouraged to give a written statement.