LEBANON, N.H. (WCAX) – Part of a New Hampshire city’s ordinance could be in direct violation of new state laws.

The “Welcoming Lebanon Ordinance” was established in 2020 to in-part preserve the public trust and promote community identity.

But now, it appears at least some of it is a no-go.

The crux of the Welcoming Lebanon Ordinance prevents city officials, including police, from targeting people simply based on their immigration status.

It also prohibits police from cooperating with federal officers on immigration enforcement.

“It was really designed to show that we are welcoming to people of any background, all races, creeds, colors etc.,” said Lebanon Mayor Douglas Whittlesey.

However, changes could be coming to that ordinance.

Thursday, republican Governor Kelly Ayotte signed two bills into law.

One bans so-called “sanctuary cities”, and another encourages cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

A statement from the governor reads in-part: “New Hampshire will never be a sanctuary for criminals, and we will keep working every day to remain the safest state in the nation.”

“I don’t like target illegal immigrants,” said Kristen Hays, a travel nurse from Texas.

But Hays, who is living in Lebanon for several months, agrees with the new laws.

Hays believes everyone in the U.S. should be here legally through the proper channels.

“I feel like they need to go get that. I feel like they should get that before they are entered into the country,” Hays said.

Since it was adopted over more than four years ago, only three people have been arrested with questionable immigration status, according to officials.

“Really the welcoming ordinance is an anti-discrimination policy to me at its heart so that we are not taking immigration status as the basis of policing,” Mayor Whittlesey said.

The city is now drafting a set of changes to its ordinance.

Lebanon’s police chief was not available for an interview Friday but says his department always follows state laws, and community safety will remain the highest priority.

City officials say any change to the ordinance would require a public hearing, and action by the City Council.

The city’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission is planning to discuss the ordinance at its June meeting.

Meanwhile, the new state laws take effect in January.

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