Newport Takes Legal Action Over Potential Federal ICE Facility

Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan announced the City of Newport has filed a federal lawsuit against several United States agencies in response to covert plans to convert the Coast Guard Air Facility at the Newport airport into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility. In a social media video, Mayor Jan Kaplan assured the Newport community that the city is closely tracking ICE activity and coordinating with city attorneys and outside counsel on both immediate and long-term strategies.

The complaint, filed on December 19th in federal court, names the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Coast Guard, and several top federal officials as defendants. “We are asking the court to declare that the primary use of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Air Facility must remain aviation,” Mayor Kaplan explained, emphasizing the facility’s importance in housing and maintaining the Coast Guard rescue helicopter—vital for local safety and industries. The city’s suit further calls for injunctive relief to halt federal actions until proper transparency and public disclosure requirements have been met.

Mayor Kaplan highlighted concerns about federal agencies allegedly acting in secret and underscored the city’s demand for comprehensive information about the environmental and infrastructure impacts of any new federal project, including effects on wildlife, traffic, and public utilities. This local action comes as the Oregon Department of Justice amended its own lawsuit, challenging the placement of a detention facility on the Central Coast. Just hours before the mayor’s address, a judge granted a preliminary injunction requiring the Coast Guard helicopter to remain in Newport pending legal resolution—a move described by Kaplan as “very good news,” but not the end of the fight.

For nearly two months, the city has sought answers from federal officials regarding plans for the Newport site. “Their silence has been deafening,” said Kaplan, expressing gratitude to Senators Wyden and Merkley, Congresswoman Hoyle, Governor Kotek, Representative Gomberg, and others for advocating on Newport’s behalf. Federal contractors are reportedly continuing to investigate local resources to support a potential facility, raising ongoing questions for city leaders and residents.

Mayor Kaplan urged the community to remain vigilant and respectful of all state and federal personnel in town, many of whom are conducting routine business at the port or local agencies. The mayor closed by promising that the city would keep residents informed through official channels and commending the community’s ongoing vigilance and engagement.