By ZACH LAIRD, InDepthNH.org

Activists nationwide intend to hold demonstrations on June 6 against Citizens Bank over its support for federal immigration enforcement and detention operations, including several gatherings planned at branches throughout New Hampshire.

The effort is led by De-Ice Citizens Bank, a campaign urging the bank to sever ties with CoreCivic and the GEO Group, firms that construct and manage detention centers for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Reports indicate Citizens Bank has facilitated more than $2 billion in financing for these companies.

"These actions raise visibility so more individuals learn the facts," noted Grace Garvey, Co-Leader of Central New Hampshire Indivisible, a group focused on defending democratic values via nonviolent events. "Participants can express opposition while helping the public recognize the bank's involvement."

Citizens Bank offered no reply to inquiries for comment.

A release from the American Friends Service Committee states that 18 individuals have died while in ICE custody this year, with half of those cases at sites operated by CoreCivic or the GEO Group.

Scheduled protest times and sites at New Hampshire branches include Plymouth from 9 to 10 a.m. and 12 to 1:30 p.m. at 20 Highland St.; West Lebanon from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at 1 Interchange Dr.; Dover from 10 to 11 a.m. at 140 Washington St.; Meredith from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 66 NH-25; and Wolfeboro from 1 to 2 p.m. at 70 S Main St.

Additional demonstrations are set at branches in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia.

Garvey noted that Central New Hampshire Indivisible is working with groups such as Protest With Purpose in Meredith and Wolfeboro Area Peaceful Protests.

"Numerous customers have closed accounts," she added. "Ongoing demonstrations outside branches appear to be raising awareness and prompting more people to voice disagreement with the bank's continued funding of firms that operate ICE facilities."

She referenced recent arrests of protesters in Andover, Massachusetts, who had approached customers to share information about the bank's role in immigration enforcement.

"The growing number of events is encouraging because it spreads information," Garvey said. "Increased visibility leads to greater awareness, more account closures, and added pressure on the bank."

CoreCivic, located in Brentwood, Tennessee, lists 82 U.S. facilities on its site, with over 500 ICE personnel assigned there. The GEO Group, based in Boca Raton, Florida, operates 51 U.S. sites and three international locations.

When contacted, CoreCivic pointed to earlier statements emphasizing its value for financial partnerships and noting its limited yet significant function within the immigration system, while avoiding details beyond public disclosures.

The GEO Group's site highlights its facilities' compliance with federal performance standards from 2011, revised in 2016, and describes services as high-quality and humane. The company did not reply to comment requests.

Through a withdrawal campaign called "Not With Our Money, Citizens!" run with the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization, De-ICE Citizens Bank reports that dozens of faith groups, businesses, unions, and individuals have committed to moving $19.3 million in assets.

The group states it will continue shifting funds in larger steps unless the bank stops financing ICE detention operators, noting that collective pledges strengthen the shared impact.