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Strafford County jail warns losing ICE, Marshals contracts could cut millions in revenue; officials say staffing costs likely to remain
Summary
County officials told the criminal-justice subcommittee that ICE-related housing revenue is approximately $9 million and U.S. Marshals revenue about $3.5 million, and cautioned that terminating those contracts would reduce revenue but not necessarily lower fixed staffing costs.
Dover, N.H. — Strafford County correctional officials told the criminal-justice subcommittee on Jan. 28 that the county relies on federal housing contracts to offset operating costs at the Strafford County jail, and that losing those contracts would produce a significant revenue shortfall even if staffing levels could not be reduced proportionally.
Superintendent Chris Crackett described the county—s multi-layered arrangements with federal partners —ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Prisons —and explained constraints on housing and staffing created by inmate classification rules.
"ICE is attributable to about $9 million and the Marshals are approximately $3.5 million," Crackett said when asked to attribute revenue by partner. He cautioned that those numbers vary with the day-to-day population mix.
Members pressed on the implications of terminating one or more federal agreements. Crackett and County Administrator Ray Bower told the panel that because the jail must staff housing units to meet security requirements, closing beds would not yield a one-to-one reduction in payroll costs. "Because of the complexities of my classification process... I still have to staff that the same way," Crackett said, explaining that minimum staff counts on housing pods create fixed costs even if beds are empty.
Several members raised concerns from constituents about federal immigration enforcement practices and whether individuals in the facility had been offered due process; Crackett said the jail does not decide detentions or prosecute but aims to ensure anyone in custody can participate in the adjudicative process.
What the subcommittee will do next: members agreed revenue-side implications belong in the revenue subcommittee meeting on Feb. 6, 2026, where county finance officials can present formal financial estimates and contingency plans.
Context: officials repeatedly described the county—s use of jail capacity for federal partners as long-standing. The superintendent and administrators urged cautious, data-driven revenue review before policy action that could affect contracts or county operations.
