KEENE,N.H.- An overflow of residents gathered Monday at Keene City Hall for a “workshop” to discuss the recent ICE activity in the city.
The large crowd ended up occupying the entire city council chamber as residents voiced their concerns over ICE’s activity in the city last week.
The conversation eventually focused on the transparency in the limitations local governments have when it comes to dealing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Police Chief Steven Stewart also fielded questions from the crowd on the roll his department plays when federal authorities are in town and went on the record saying that his department is always willing to cooperate but said that at no point would officers ever ask a victim of a crime or a witness about their immigration status.
However, Stewart was quick to say at no point would he be issuing “…. any sweeping condemnation of any federal law enforcement agency, and I won’t be banning them from our parking lots or property.”
When asked by WMUR-TV about ICE activity in the area officials issued the following statement:
“Every day, DHS is conducting law enforcement activities across the country to keep Americans safe. DHS does not discuss ongoing or future operations.“

