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Newport Flags Possible ICE Site at City Airport as Contractor Withdraws Lease Plan

Oregon leaders have demanded swift clarification from DHS on the project's status.

Overview

  • City Manager Nina Vetter told a packed council meeting that Newport is among Oregon Coast locations under review, though the city has not heard directly from DHS.
  • Team Housing Solutions, which had proposed leasing 4.3 acres at Newport Municipal Airport for “federal operations” as soon as Dec. 1, has withdrawn its letter of intent.
  • Contractor activity continues to point to preparations consistent with detention operations, including job postings for ICE detention officers and healthcare staff in Newport and a septic services inquiry for up to 10,000 gallons per day.
  • More than 800 residents turned out to oppose any ICE facility, and city councilors voiced unified resistance, citing safety, economic and community impacts.
  • Oregon’s congressional delegation pressed DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for a prompt briefing and written answers by Nov. 14, also questioning the late-October relocation of Newport’s Coast Guard MH-65 rescue helicopter to North Bend.