Memori Valentin: Merrimack ICE warehouse could also impact hurt Lakes Region

To The Daily Sun,

Plans to convert a warehouse in Merrimack into an ICE detention facility — a proposed $158 million project expected to open by November — may not be in Laconia, but it could directly affect our community. Regional traffic could increase, and local roads may see more congestion. Shared services like health care, social support, and family assistance programs could feel pressure if resources are redirected.

These local impacts are compounded by larger concerns about public safety and community well-being. While New Hampshire faces serious drug and crime issues, these are not caused by immigrant families. In fact, local residents contribute more to crime statistics than immigrant communities.

We must ask important questions about how this project will affect Laconia specifically:

• How will our local roads, traffic, and emergency services be impacted?
• Could our community and family service programs lose funding or staff?
• Will there be ICE activity in or around Laconia, and what might it look like?

I urge my fellow Laconia residents to engage, contact our representatives, and call on Gov. Kelly Ayotte to reconsider support for this facility. Our town’s voice, combined with others across the state, is critical to ensuring local communities are protected and heard.

Memori Valentin

Laconia