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Residents urge Coos County to oppose possible ICE facility as commissioner confirms prior outreach to DHS
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Summary
Dozens of residents and local organizations told the Coos County Board of Commissioners they oppose any Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in the county; a commissioner said he had asked federal partners to consider the county, prompting concerns about transparency and local impacts.
Dozens of residents and nonprofit representatives addressed the Coos County Board of Commissioners during an extended public-comment period to push the county to prevent any Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility from being located on the South Coast. David Jennings, a Coquille resident with a background in juvenile justice, told commissioners, “ICE is a clear threat to the rights of American citizens and to the people of Coos County,” and urged the board to do what it can to stop an ICE presence.
Why it matters: Speakers warned that a detention facility could harm tourism, public trust and community safety; they also stressed legal and procedural protections. Mandy Watson, coastal policy manager for Oregon Shores, noted litigation in Newport over a proposed ICE facility there and said federal projects must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and state land-use laws. “If these rumors began to materialize … the commission has a responsibility to act early and decisively,” she said.
At the meeting, one commissioner described prior outreach to federal authorities. That commissioner said he had sent a letter asking the Department of Homeland Security to look at Coos County as a possible location and acknowledged he had pursued information through a chain of contacts, including proxies and contractors. He said his intent had been to identify options that might address local budget and staffing pressures, but that he regretted not engaging community partners earlier.
Public commenters from across the county voiced strong opposition. Natalie Ranker (North Bend) and Abby Knipp (North Bend) emphasized harms to immigrants and people of color, with Knipp saying rumors had “triggered really deep pain, fear, and trauma.” Ashley Audicki, representing the climate-justice group Rogue Climate, linked migrant justice and climate resilience and urged commissioners not to escalate community fear.
Commissioners responded to questions about whether a contract exists. County staff and commissioners stated there was no current contract or agreement in place with ICE or DHS for a facility in Coos County. District Attorney Jody Newby and other staff described federal partners’ occasional investigative support (forensics, apprehension assistance) but said federal agencies do not typically provide operating funds to local prosecutors. The district attorney also said a separate, ongoing local prosecution has required additional appropriations.
What residents asked the board to do: Speakers urged the commission to (1) adopt an explicit policy or resolution opposing ICE detention facilities in Coos County, (2) preserve and enforce state and coastal land-use and environmental review requirements that could apply to federal projects, and (3) coordinate with cities, tribes and community organizations on a proactive plan. Mandy Watson suggested following Newport’s lead in preparing to litigate if necessary.
Next steps: Commissioners said they would continue to gather information and hold a meeting with mayors and community partners to discuss logistics and possible steps; the chair asked online commenters to submit written testimony because of audio problems. The meeting adjourned with no formal vote on an ICE-related resolution.
