Osborne Urges Democrats to Pull Anti-ICE Bills After Deadly Dallas Shooting

CONCORD, NH  — New Hampshire House Majority Leader Jason Osborne is calling on Democrats to withdraw several bills limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement after a deadly shooting at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas.

Authorities said a gunman opened fire from an elevated position Wednesday morning, killing two detainees and critically wounding another before taking his own life. Investigators recovered shell casings marked with “ANTI-ICE,” suggesting the attack was motivated by opposition to immigration enforcement. Federal and local officials are continuing to investigate.

Osborne, a Republican from Auburn, said the tragedy underscores the risks of restricting local law enforcement from working with federal partners.

“Today’s tragedy in Dallas is a grim reminder of the real dangers posed when law enforcement is prevented from working with federal partners to identify, detain, and remove dangerous individuals from our communities,” Osborne said in a statement. “These bills are not harmless — they are reckless.”

Five measures filed for the 2026 legislative session would limit state and local involvement in federal immigration enforcement or require reporting on cooperation agreements. Sponsors include Democratic Reps. David Meuse, Buzz Scherr, Alexis Simpson, Zoe Manos and Alissandra Murray.

Osborne argued the bills would weaken police and embolden criminals, tying the proposals to what he described as a broader campaign against ICE. “Public safety must come before the left’s political theater,” he said. “New Hampshire will not be a sanctuary for violent criminals.”

It was not immediately clear Wednesday whether House Democrats would reconsider the legislation in response to Osborne’s demand.