A new controversy is unfolding in the quiet coastal city of Newport, Oregon. A Texas-based federal contractor is hiring for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) jobs, and locals fear this could mean a new detention center is coming to their town.
The situation has raised questions about transparency, government planning, and how such a facility could change life in Newport.
A Federal Contractor Hiring for ICE
A Texas company called Asset Protection and Security Services has announced openings for detention officers in Newport. The company says it has “the longest-standing detention center contract with ICE.”
According to the job advertisement, the positions will pay around $50 per hour, and workers will “provide care, custody, and control of those in ICE custody.”
The company is also hiring transportation officers to move detainees. Another firm, Acuity International, is advertising for jobs like infection prevention officer, nurse manager, and health services administrator.
The listings mention that applicants with previous ICE or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) experience will be given preference.
These job ads list the Newport Municipal Airport as the work location, fueling public speculation that ICE may be setting up a detention facility there.
Evidence of a Possible Detention Center
Local leaders and residents have noticed several clues that point toward a major federal project in Newport.
| Evidence | What It Suggests |
|---|---|
| ICE-related job listings in Newport | Possible setup of an ICE detention center |
| Hiring by Acuity International for medical and administrative staff | Supports large facility planning |
| U.S. Coast Guard helicopter recently relocated from Newport | Space possibly being cleared for new operations |
| Federal contractor asked to haul 5,000–10,000 gallons of wastewater daily | Matches water usage of 500–1,000 people |
These details have made residents believe that a large detention facility could soon occupy space at the Newport airport.
Local Officials Seek Answers
State Representative David Gomberg said that the evidence is becoming increasingly clear, even though the federal government has not shared official information. He stated that “the federal government is not telling us what’s going on.”
Oregon’s congressional leaders have also raised concerns. Four members—Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Representatives Val Hoyle and Suzanne Bonamici—have written to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, demanding an explanation.
They want to know whether the Coast Guard relocation is related to ICE’s plans and why local officials were not consulted.
Governor Tina Kotek also criticized the move, saying she opposes spending taxpayer money on “an unwanted and unnecessary additional ICE detention facility.”
She urged the federal government to be open about its intentions and focus on solving real problems instead of dividing communities.
Why Newport Matters
Oregon is one of the few states without an ICE detention center. Currently, people detained by ICE in Oregon are usually sent to a facility in Tacoma, Washington. If this new center is approved, it would mark a major shift in the state’s approach to immigration enforcement.
Locals worry that Newport’s reputation as a friendly tourist and fishing town could be affected. There are concerns about safety, environmental impact, and the strain on local resources.
What’s Still Unclear
Even with all the signs, no official confirmation has come from ICE or DHS. Federal agencies have refused to release details, and city leaders say their inquiries have gone unanswered.
Until clear communication comes from Washington, the people of Newport are left guessing about what will happen at their small airport.
The situation in Newport has become a powerful example of what happens when major government projects lack transparency. Job listings, wastewater plans, and federal silence have left the community anxious and confused.
Whether or not a detention center is built, residents want one thing above all—honesty and open communication from their government. Newport’s future depends on decisions made behind closed doors, and locals deserve to be part of that conversation.