During a town‑hall‑style interview, congressional candidate Maggie Goodlander stressed the need for concrete safeguards on federal immigration enforcement spending. Goodlander, a resident of New Hampshire, said the nation’s immigration system must be both humane and law‑based, and that unchecked funding creates unnecessary risk for American families.
Demand for “commonsense guardrails”
Goodlander described the current $150 billion allocation to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a “blank check” lacking the basic oversight she sees daily in local policing. “We are a nation of immigrants. We are a nation of laws,” she said, emphasizing that immigration policy should reflect both the country’s heritage and its legal framework.
She argued that Congress must enact clear restrictions on how ICE operates, noting recent incidents where individuals have been shot in broad daylight. “We need commonsense guardrails to make sure American citizens aren’t killed because of unchecked enforcement,” Goodlander asserted.
Local law enforcement as a model
Goodlander highlighted the transparency and accountability of local police departments, suggesting that federal agencies could benefit from similar standards. “Our local, trusted law‑enforcement professionals have the know‑how to do the job responsibly,” she said, adding that ICE currently lacks those safeguards.
When asked whether she supports abolishing ICE, Goodlander clarified that she favors “responsible enforcement” rather than outright elimination. She believes reform, not dismantlement, will better protect both immigrants and citizens.
Broader policy context
The candidate also touched on other national issues, including the ongoing conflict in Iran, indicating a broader foreign‑policy perspective. However, her primary focus remained on immigration enforcement, positioning her stance as a blend of fiscal prudence and public‑safety concern.
Goodlander’s remarks come as the federal spending bill passed in July allocated the sizable ICE budget without the oversight mechanisms she advocates. Critics of the bill argue that such funding enables aggressive enforcement tactics, while supporters claim it strengthens border security.
What voters should know
For New Hampshire voters, Goodlander’s position offers a middle‑ground approach: maintain immigration enforcement while demanding stricter congressional oversight. She urges constituents to consider how federal spending decisions impact local safety and community values.
Goodlander’s full interview is available in two video segments, providing additional insight into her policy priorities and vision for responsible governance.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
