Police Agencies in New Hampshire Collaborate with ICE on Immigration Enforcement
In New Hampshire, over 20 police agencies, ranging from large to small, have established agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to assist with immigration law enforcement. Notably, the Troy Police Department, a smaller agency, has been identified as one of the most active participants in these efforts.
Arrests Under ICE Agreements Show Significant Participation
From 2025 through March 10, officers in New Hampshire made a total of 51 arrests under these agreements, according to data obtained from ICE in response to a public records request by the Deportation Data Project, a research initiative based at the University of California, Berkeley, and UCLA. Among these arrests, around 30% occurred in Cheshire County, highlighting the Troy Police Department’s prominent role as the only local agency in the county with a 287(g) agreement.
Troy Police Department’s Immigration Arrests Confirmed by Data
This data aligns with statements from Troy Police Chief David Ellis, who indicated that his department made over a dozen immigration-related arrests in early December, and recent reports suggest that number is approaching 30.
Controversy Surrounding 287(g) Agreements
Chief Ellis signed the agreement with ICE in March 2025, positioning himself as one of the first police leaders in New Hampshire to do so. However, this agreement has sparked significant controversy. Advocates argue that these collaborations enhance public safety and align with federal law, while critics contend they lead to unjust arrests, erode public trust in local law enforcement, waste resources, and often involve racial profiling.
Traffic Violations and Immigration Arrests in a Small Community
Ellis noted that most immigration-related arrests stem from routine traffic stops for violations on Troy’s busy Route 12. The area, which sees approximately 10,000 vehicles daily according to traffic analysis by Rowan Reddy from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, frequently has drivers exceeding the speed limit that drops from 50 mph to 30 mph.
Community Response and Protests Against Local Enforcement
In light of local police’s involvement in immigration enforcement, some residents have expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that arresting undocumented immigrants is a federal responsibility rather than a local one. A group of self-identified retirement experts and young advocates has held protests each Friday near Troy Commons. Efforts to introduce an advisory vote on the 287(g) agreement have been tabled or rejected in local meetings.
Incidents During Immigration Enforcement Operations
Arrests in Troy have generally proceeded without major incidents; however, there was one notable event on June 23 when individuals fled from a traffic stop. According to a police report by Stephen Nickerson of the Marlboro Police Department, a police dog assisted in locating one of the fugitives. Following the apprehension, it was revealed he had sustained an injury that necessitated medical attention.
Continued Immigration Enforcement in Troy
Ultimately, the individuals in the stopped vehicle were handed over to ICE. Chief Ellis noted that most arrests in Troy involved individuals with expired visas or those who failed to attend immigration hearings. After initiating a stop for suspected traffic violations, officers typically request identification from drivers and, in certain cases, passengers. Following verification with ICE supervisors, arrests may occur, with individuals usually being transferred to the ICE office in Manchester.
This coverage is made possible through a partnership with The Granite State News Collaborative. For further insights, please visit collaborativenh.org.
