U.S. Representative Val Hoyle reiterated her opposition to any Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility on the Oregon Coast, following reports of continued planning for a detention center in Newport. Hoyle’s statement came as a federal defense contractor withdrew its inquiry regarding airport land in Newport, signaling growing concerns about the project’s viability and purpose.
The proposed facility, intended to house approximately 200 detainees, has faced mounting scrutiny from Oregon’s congressional delegation and local officials. In November 2025, Hoyle, along with Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Representative Suzanne Bonamici, formally demanded an explanation from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem regarding both the relocation of a Coast Guard helicopter from Newport and the reported plans for the ICE detention center. The lawmakers expressed concerns that these actions were taken without transparency or consultation with local communities.
The Coast Guard station in Newport is considered a critical resource for the region’s fishing industry, coastal tourism, and residents, providing search and rescue operations via a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter. The reassignment of this asset raised alarms about potential impacts on coastal safety, prompting the congressional delegation to question the rationale behind DHS’s decisions.
Contractors involved in the potential construction of the facility have also voiced concerns, according to documents obtained by NOTUS. These concerns center on the adequacy of the proposed site – the existing U.S. Coast Guard facility – to meet ICE’s minimum standards for detainee living space. During an October 31st site visit, contractors reportedly questioned whether the facility could comply with National Detention Standards, prompting government officials to suggest potential waivers to retain the project on track.
One contractor, granted anonymity, told NOTUS that “there’s no way they can meet their own standards of care given the space they’ve made available.” The contractor’s assessment highlights the challenges of adapting an existing Coast Guard facility for use as an ICE detention center, particularly in a minor town like Newport, which has a population of approximately 10,000 people.
The withdrawal of the defense contractor’s inquiry further complicates the project’s future. Local leaders have stated that federal agencies have yet to provide a clear explanation of their plans, leaving the community in a state of uncertainty. As of March 1, 2026, DHS has not publicly responded to the Oregon delegation’s November request for clarification.
