Newport residents oppose possible DHS detention facility after Coast Guard helicopter relocation

Newport City Manager Nina Vetter told the City Council at a special Nov. 12 meeting that a parcel at the Newport Municipal Airport was deeded to the federal government in 1992, and city officials have been told the rescue helicopter once stationed there has been relocated to the U.S. Coast Guard base in North Bend. Vetter said the city cannot confirm whether that move was intended to be temporary or permanent and added that the city received and then this afternoon learned of the withdrawal of a letter of intent from Team Housing Solutions Inc to lease four acres "to support federal operations." Vetter also said the city has received no direct communication from the Department of Homeland Security and that the DHS is reportedly evaluating locations along the Oregon coast, with the Newport Municipal Airport identified as a possible site for a U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement facility.

The meeting drew large public turnout and extensive public comment, nearly all opposing any detention or ICE facility in Newport. Tonette Dixon of the Newport Fishermen's Wives told the council the group "will fight for our fishing fleet" and called the issue "life and death," citing past rescues that relied on the local helicopter. Fishermen and residents repeatedly warned that longer response times from North Bend or Astoria would put mariners and beachgoers at risk. Carrie Brinberg, also representing Newport Fishermen's Wives, told the council, "We aren't saying people might die we're saying people will die," arguing that a relocated helicopter could add 30 to 90 minutes to response times in some scenarios.

Speakers from community organizations described economic and social harms they expect if a DHS facility were sited locally: Sarah Yegi of Connexion Phoenix said families fear losing work and stability; Sharon Gidley, a longtime restaurant server, warned tourism, real estate values and small businesses would suffer; and multiple commenters recounted personal trauma from family separation after ICE arrests. A teenage speaker described her father being detained and the emotional toll on her family.

Several public speakers referenced past legal actions and community wins. Members of the fishing community pointed to prior litigation that, they said, protected the air facility and required community input in decisions affecting air stations. Lydia Hayter, a water-rescue advocate, and others described recent rescues in which local assets were critical and said moving air resources away from the Newport area increases the risk of loss of life and environmental damage from maritime incidents.

Council members and city staff declined to take immediate formal action during the public-comment portion; the mayor said council members would share their thoughts after public comment and stated the council "has a consensus. We're going to do everything we can to fight this." City staff encouraged written comments in English or Spanish for 24 hours via the city website.

What the city confirmed and what remains unresolved: Vetter confirmed the helicopter relocation and the withdrawn LOI; she said the city has not received direct communication from DHS and could not confirm whether DHS or another federal office has made any final decision. Several commenters urged immediate contact with state and federal legislators; one speaker named Representative David Gomberg and senators as potential contacts. The council did not approve any motions, votes or ordinances during the meeting.

Next steps: The council said it will continue to gather information and hear public input; staff invited written comments and the mayor indicated council members would provide their statements after the public-comment period.