Newport Mayor Responds To ICE Facility Rumors

The city of Newport is still working to get answers regarding the possibility of a government agency making its home in Newport. Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan answered questions that have been asked of the public in an update on the cities social media. According to Mayor Kaplan Team Housing Solutions has reportedly sought up to 200 hotel rooms along the coast for a year, while federal government contractors have been inquiring about logistics related to storage and waste removal.

Rumors of an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) facility persisted, with 18 related job postings detected in Newport, yet, Kaplan emphasized that, “we are unanimously opposed to an ICE facility in Newport, and we need our Coast Guard helicopter back permanently.” The city is actively working with local, state, and federal legislators to obtain more information, though it has not yet heard from the Department of Homeland Security.

Assuring residents of transparency, city staff and legislative leaders are monitoring all developments and potential sites.

The mayor encouraged the community to follow official Newport social media channels for timely updates and thanked residents for their engagement and respectful dialogue.

“As a city, our mission is clear — to keep Newport the friendliest place to call home,” the mayor concluded, reiterating unity and continued advocacy for the community’s interests.

Following the successful temporary restraining order for the helicopter’s return, the city continues to press for a permanent return of Coast Guard air rescue operations in Newport.

The mayor and city officials remain in contact with federal legislators and agencies, ushing for a lasting solution. The city will advocate for Newport’s vital need for air rescue, highlighting the community impact and ongoing support from residents and local organizations. City staff and legislative leaders are actively monitoring multiple potential sites and confirming facts about any ICE-related activity.

The mayor has confirmed that, at this time, there is no evidence of ICE vehicles or a confirmed facility in Newport. The city has hired outside counsel, Stole Burn to help research legal avenues and protect Newport’s interests in opposition to any proposed ICE facility. Despite multiple job postings related to an ICE facility and inquiries by federal contractors, the city has not received clear information from the Department of Homeland Security and continues to seek answers. The city remains firmly opposed to the establishment of an ICE facility and is mobilizing all legal and political resources to prevent it.