Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks in Quito, Ecuador, in July 2025. (Getty Images/Alex Brandon)
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., told KATU the idea of DHS deciding on its own to build an ICE facility in Newport was "alarming and asinine," while Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan said public well-being and the "values of our community are the highest priorities of myself and city council."
Kaplan told the local CBS affiliate that he is hearing from people in Portland and elsewhere that they will never visit Newport again, with some expressing concerns about getting "hauled into the street" by ICE.
He also said that a marked increase in vehicular traffic due to a new ICE facility would create other potential problems.
NOEM PRAYS WITH ICE OFFICERS DURING PORTLAND VISIT AS OREGON GOVERNOR ORDERS TROOPS HOME
A letter obtained by KOIN from a Texas-based workforce housing company to Newport City Manager Nina Vetter expressed interest in leasing a 4.3-acre parcel at the airport to the federal government for "operational staging in support of the federal project." The plan includes "temporary facilities," a 12-foot fence and controlled access points.
The No. 2 Democrat in the Oregon House, who represents Newport, publicly demanded answers from DHS.
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"Explain your intentions and let the public know what you're planning," Rep. David Gomberg said.
Gomberg told KATU that he wants respectful dialogue and that locals should not harass U.S. Coast Guard personnel currently stationed on the parcel of federal property at the airport.
Charles Creitz is a reporter for Fox News Digital.
He joined Fox News in 2013 as a writer and production assistant.
Charles covers media, politics and culture for Fox News Digital.
Charles is a Pennsylvania native and graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. Story tips can be sent to charles.creitz@fox.com.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/oregon-democrats-outraged-over-reported-ice-facility-plans-near-portland