At an emotional special Newport city council meeting on November 12th over 1,300 from around Lincoln County and beyond voiced unified and passionate opposition to a proposed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Newport, as well as the recent, unannounced removal of the Coast Guard helicopter serving the region. The meeting opened with a factual statement from City Manager Nina Vetter,

“We a Number one, at the Newport Municipal Airport, there is a piece of property that was deeded to the federal government in 1992 this piece of property is the location of the Newport Coast Guard Air Facility. Number two, the city of Newport has received confirmation that the rescue helicopter that has been stationed at the Newport Coast Guard Air Facility was relocated to the US Coast Guard base in North Bend. The city has been unable to confirm if this move was intended to be temporary or permanent. Number three, the city was contacted by a third party named team housing Solutions Inc, with a letter of intent to lease four acres of the city's property at the Newport Municipal Airport

to "support federal operations."

Vetter said the city received notice on the afternoon of the 12th of November that team housing Solutions Inc is withdrawing their letter of intent . At this time, no proposal, nor any communication has been sent or submitted to the city of Newport directly from the Department of Homeland Security. Lastly, city of Newport officials were made aware of information that the US Department of Homeland Security is in the process of evaluating locations along the Oregon coast for a potential US customs and immigration enforcement facility, and the Newport Municipal Airport has been identified As a possible location for this facility.

Speaker after speaker—ranging from fishermen’s families and business owners to immigrant rights advocates and elected officials—voiced unanimous concern over safety, transparency, and the social fabric of Newport. Many highlighted the vital role immigrants play in the city’s economy and community life, and warned that an ICE facility would bring fear, division, and economic harm.

The potential ICE facility brought equally urgent fears, with community members describing it as an affront to Newport’s values of inclusion and safety. Mayor Kaplan pointed out “This facility would negatively impact our economy and specifically jeopardize the safety and livelihoods of our community members,” a sentiment shared by dozens. State Representative David Gomberg commended the city for its transparency but expressed frustration with conflicting and incomplete information from federal sources. “If there is indeed a plan,” Gomberg stated, “it’s being made behind closed doors, and we deserve the truth to decide our own destiny.”

As the meeting closed, the prevailing message was clear: Newport stands united in defense of its safety, diversity, and community values, and will continue to fight for answers and solutions from federal agencies. Other councilors and attendees echoed this sentiment, describing both the ICE facility and helicopter removal as “beyond comprehension” and “asinine,” and calling the federal actions out for their perceived disregard of local safety and economic well-being. Community members warned of lost tourism and a fractured local identity if the facility were to be approved, based on correspondence from concerned residents across the country.

Calls to action dominated the evening. Officials urged the community to contact key members of the House Transportation Committee—including Rep. Sam Graves and Rep. Mike Ezell—whose oversight includes the Coast Guard. Transparency and unity surfaced as recurring themes. The city council pledged to keep the public informed and invited ongoing community participation. The meeting closed with words and a prayer from representatives of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, who offered historical perspective and prayers for guidance, drawing a connection between past injustices faced by the tribe and current threats to the broader community.

Mayor Kaplan offered this statement “On behalf of Newport City Council, I want to begin by acknowledging the deep concern, frustration, and fear many in our community expressed regarding reports of a potential ICE facility being considered for Newport. We have heard your voices through conversations, emails, phone calls and at our Special Meeting, and our community can be assured that we share your commitment to ensuring that Newport remains a place that reflects our values of inclusion, compassion, and respect for all who live and visit here."

Kaplan added "We recognize that even the possibility of such a facility being erected here has caused understandable alarm. I want to make it absolutely clear that City staff is working alongside our legislative leaders at local, state, and federal levels to explore every available legal and municipal avenue to oppose the siting of an ICE facility in Newport. Newport is a city built on trust, diverse cultures, and shared responsibility. We will work together, thoughtfully, transparently, and within the bounds of the law to protect those values Thank you to everyone who has reached out, spoken up, and stood together for the kind of community we believe in. Your voices and resolve guide our path forward.”