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Newport council issues unanimous proclamation opposing any ICE detention or processing facilities
Summary
Mayor Jan Kaplan read and the council adopted a proclamation declaring Newport's “adamant objection” to any ICE detention or processing facilities in the city and pledged to pursue legal and legislative avenues to oppose such siting; councilors noted heavy public input and regional outreach.
The Newport City Council on Nov. 17 issued a unanimous proclamation stating the city’s “adamant objection to any ICE detention and processing facilities” being located in Newport.
Mayor Jan Kaplan read the proclamation in full, saying, “I, Jan Kaplan, as mayor of the city of Newport, with the unanimous support of my fellow city councilors, do hereby declare our adamant objection to any ICE detention and processing facilities facilities being located in Newport.” The proclamation directs the city to work with legislative leaders at local, state and federal levels and to pursue available legal and municipal avenues to oppose any siting.
Public comment at the meeting included a speaker who said recent activity near the Newport Municipal Airport — restricted‑access signs, contractors, and utility markings — raised concern in light of previous special meetings about federal facility proposals; the commenter urged the council to show that the proclamation would be more than symbolic: “Please show me it's not just a dog and pony show.”
Acting City Manager Derek Tokos responded to specific airport queries by explaining that a large, long‑planned septic project for the airport is currently out for bid and that staff has issued an addendum delaying start of construction for 12 months from award because of airport uncertainties. Tokos said he had no information about other items the commenter described.
Mayor and councilors noted heavy public engagement: the mayor said the city had received “over 400 emails” on the ICE facility question, and a councilor referenced national media attention that evening. Councilors described outreach to senators and representatives and discussed options including regional coordination and, if necessary, litigation; the mayor said those discussions were at an early stage.
Next steps: the council signaled intent to coordinate with regional partners and pursue legal and legislative options as appropriate; no binding legal action was finalized at the meeting.
