Waldport Fights Back Against ICE Housing

There was standing room only during the Waldport City Council meeting as many citizens came to address the council regarding the swirling rumors and deep concerns regarding a potential federal immigration detention contract for housing ICE agents at the Alsi Resort in Bayshore. Mayor Lambert moved at the beginning of the meeting to just discuss the issue at hand, which centered on the ICE lodging rumor, she moved that the rest of the items on the agenda be tabled until the next meeting. This was approved by a six to one vote, with Councilor Susan Woodruff voting no.

Waldport’s city manager Dann Cutter delivered a timeline of the city’s investigation, clarifying that while a contract offer had been extended by ICE representatives to the owner of the Alsi resort, no agreement had been signed. The hotel owners reportedly remain undecided amid community pressure and financial challenges. Prior to the meeting, in response to multiple emails from the public who were deeply concerned about this rumor, the city recorder showed a large binder with over 700 emails from concerned citizens. In response Mr. Cutter put out a statement that this was just a rumor and the city would continue to look into the matter if it became something more.

There were several members of the public who spoke and urged the council to come together to do what they can to stop ICE from being in the Waldport community including

State Representative David Gomberg. He cited the proposal’s economic, social, and public safety repercussions. “This is not going to be a good thing for Lincoln County. It's not going to be a good thing for Waldport,” Gomberg warned. He also criticized the lack of clarity and transparency from federal agencies around the project.

Bayshore resident Holly Romero told the council she wanted them to know what it's like to be a Latino in this community right now. "I have spent the last 20 years traveling in and out of this country, and I am pulled out of line for extra inspection each and every time, and that is because of my name.” Romero told the council, “The Latinos here are terrified. They are completely terrified. It is why I carry my passport with me at all times. It is why every Latino I know in Lincoln County is carrying their passport with them all the time. Because we know we are a target one way or another.”

Romero said “If ICE comes here, if they're in the Alsi Resort, which is right across the street from where we live, right across 101, I can't live here. I can't be terrified every time I go to the grocery store. I can't be terrified every time I go to work. I can't be terrified every time I go outside or drive my car." She added “We are more than our labor. We are musicians, we are dancers, we are writers, we are poets, we are chefs. We bring so much culture and diversity to this country, to this county, and I know you appreciate that even though this current regime does not."

Community members and city leaders alike pressed for transparency and emphasized the stakes for Waldport, with many raising questions about the town’s suitability and capacity for such a facility, the possible impact on tourism, public resources, and the local economy.

The council agreed to continue monitoring the situation and pledged ongoing communication with residents. After hearing from the public the council unanimously passed Resolution 1328 which states that the city of Waldport and the council strongly oppose and object to any immigration and customs facilities agents being housed in Waldport.

Mr Cutter reported on Thursday December 11th that he spoke with Moni Mansano, the owner of the Alsi Resort and let him know about the resolution signed by the council and the strong public opposition and he has now agreed to not sign the ICE contract.