Newport Responds to Community Uproar Over Potential ICE Center

(NEWPORT, OREGON) City leaders in this coastal town said Tuesday they’re seeking answers from federal officials after documents surfaced showing a Texas contractor asked to lease land at Newport Municipal Airport for what residents fear could become an ICE detention center.

The request, dated November 4, came from Team Housing Solutions and referenced preparations to support federal operations at the airport starting December 1, including a 12‑foot security fence, temporary facilities, and generators. Mayor Jan Kaplan and State Representative David Gomberg said there is a basis for the rumors and confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is evaluating Oregon coast locations, but they stressed they still lack clear direction from Washington.

What the contractor’s letter says and why it matters

City staff say the letter referenced a stretch of roughly 4.3 acres at Newport Municipal Airport that Team Housing Solutions wants to lease for temporary structures and security upgrades. The letter indicated a need to move quickly ahead of December 1, suggesting fence installation and generator placement would begin soon.

• Key elements in the request
  • 12‑foot security fence
  • Temporary facilities
  • Generators
  • Start date referenced: December 1

This timeline, paired with the lack of federal confirmation, has heightened alarms among residents who worry an ICE detention center — even a temporary one — could alter the city’s image and routine at the airport.

Local context and recent federal activity

Officials said the land referenced by Team Housing Solutions sits next to the area previously used by the U.S. Coast Guard, which recently moved its rescue helicopter operations away from the airport. The timing of that federal departure, combined with the contractor’s letter, fueled questions about who might use the airport next and for what purpose.

Local business owners in tourism and commercial fishing expressed concerns about long-term reputational damage:

• Charter boat operators
• Hotel managers
• Seafood processors

They told officials they see the waterfront economy as sensitive to headlines and word‑of‑mouth, and they urged city leaders to raise those concerns in any discussions with federal agencies or contractors.

Communication gaps and local reaction

City managers and elected officials described a communication gap with federal agencies that has amplified local rumors.

“It’s telling that if this was not happening and we asked somebody, you’d think that somebody would say, ‘Nah nah, don’t worry about it,’” — Mayor Jan Kaplan, calling the silence concerning.

Representative Gomberg echoed the call for transparency and said his office has pushed for clarity with little response so far.

• City staff report the contractor’s request is under review and no approvals have been issued.
• The City of Newport has not received a formal proposal from DHS or ICE, nor a final determination from any federal agency.
• City officials will keep residents informed and encourage contact with representatives, the mayor’s office, and the city council.
• If the process moves forward, the city said there will be opportunities for public input.

Political responses

The political reaction grew louder during the week.

• U.S. Senator Ron Wyden called any unilateral move by federal authorities “alarming and asinine,” and pledged to press for answers and coordinate with local and state leaders.
• City Hall welcomed the help, noting that the absence of direct responses from federal points of contact has made it hard to brief residents and plan for public safety or airport operations if construction crews appear.

Public safety, community fears, and legal concerns

City officials cautioned residents not to assume a decision had already been made, emphasizing:

• The contractor’s letter does not establish the purpose or chain of command for any federal use.
• The city retains standard review steps for leases and construction activity on municipal property.

Still, the phrase “ICE detention center” carries heavy weight. People with mixed‑status families or ties to immigrant communities said even the rumor has created fear. Advocacy groups have contacted City Hall about legal rights and due process.

Analysis and best practices for federal siting discussions

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, community tension often rises quickly when federal siting discussions occur without clear public notices. Local leaders typically demand transparency before contracts are signed.

• City officials said they will:
  • Publish updates as they receive them
  • Invite public comment if DHS moves from evaluation to a formal site request
  • Forward resident messages to appropriate agencies

Residents were told to contact state and federal offices to register views, with the mayor’s office promising to pass those messages along.

Outstanding questions the city is asking DHS and ICE

The City of Newport said it will continue to request written clarification on:

1. Whether the airport is still under consideration.
2. What the timeline might be.
3. How a possible facility would affect:
   • Airport operations
   • Police and fire response
   • Nearby businesses

Officials added they will seek consistent answers across agencies to avoid conflicting messages.

For basic information about the federal agency at the center of the discussion, readers can consult U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: https://www.ice.gov, which outlines the agency’s mission and public contacts for the United States 🇺🇸.

As of late Tuesday, Newport’s request for confirmation remained unanswered, and the contractor’s proposal had not been approved, leaving residents to wait for the next official word.