New Hampshire Police Departments Seek ICE Partnership Funding
At least five police departments in New Hampshire have pursued grants from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to establish agreements for enforcing immigration laws locally. The ICE partnership, under the 287(g) program, offers approximately $100,000 per vehicle to participating law enforcement agencies, in addition to funding for necessary infrastructure improvements, officer training equipment, and rewards for “meritorious service” based on the number of arrests made.
Budget Constraints and Funding Utilization
Candia Police Chief Chad Shevlin expressed that operating on a tight budget necessitates saving taxpayer dollars while ensuring essential equipment remains operational. “We are exploring various grant opportunities, not solely this program,” he noted. Currently, Candia is one of three departments receiving assistance from ICE, along with Colebrook and Carroll. Epping police and the Belknap County Sheriff’s Office are still awaiting updates on their applications, while the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office has opted not to pursue this funding.
Impact of Funding on Equipment Needs
In Colebrook, police recently arrested two immigrants and applied for ICE benefits to cover their operational expenses during these arrests. Chief Paul Rella plans to allocate at least $40,000 of his salary to replace outdated handheld radios. “Some radios are malfunctioning, and many are simply too old to be repaired,” he remarked, emphasizing the department’s financial challenges in maintaining functional equipment.
Budget Allocation for Technology Upgrades
Other departments have indicated intentions to utilize the funds for technological enhancements, including IT upgrades, communication systems, and secure body camera storage. Candia Police Chief Shevlin shared that the department received $115,000, representing just over 10% of its annual operating budget. Although three officers have completed 287(g) training, they have not yet made any immigration arrests.
Reimbursement Policies for Arrests
Should Candia apprehend an immigrant, the individual may qualify for reimbursement covering the officer’s hours. Belknap County Sheriff Bill Wright welcomed this change, which enables his staff to seek compensation previously unavailable under the original agreement. “This presents a valuable opportunity for our employees while ensuring that our county’s operational hours remain intact,” he elaborated.
Decision Against Participation for Ethical Reasons
Despite eligibility for funding and reimbursement, the Rockingham Sheriff’s Office chose not to apply, citing a desire to avoid any appearance of financial motivation. “We initially agreed to join the program without financial incentives being discussed, and we do not see enough utilization of the 287(g) program to warrant the time needed for reimbursement applications,” explained Major Christopher Bashaw. However, he acknowledged that this stance may reconsider if the number of arrests increases.
Clarifying Immigration Enforcement Scope
Nearly a year after entering into a partnership with ICE, several departments, including the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, have incorporated immigration screening protocols into their operations. Chief Shevlin clarified the nature of these efforts, stating, “This is not a sweeping immigration control strategy or a random enforcement operation, but rather a focus on individuals who have already come into contact with law enforcement.” Similarly, Sheriff Wright emphasized that, regardless of political dynamics, the program equips officers with additional tools for law enforcement while noting that it is a continuation of existing laws rather than a policy shift under the current administration.
