Tag: Sec. Noem

Newport, Ore. – Newport city officials confirm a U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopter previously stationed in Newport was quietly moved to North Bend, Oregon. However, the city says it has been unable to confirm whether the move is intended to be temporary or permanent. The acknowledgement comes just a day after rumors surfaced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is looking to open an immigration facility on the Oregon coast. DHS oversees the Coast Guard.

“As the home to Oregon’s largest commercial fishing fleet, the City of Newport remains committed to advocating for continued strong air and sea search-and-rescue capabilities on the central Oregon coast,” the city said in a written statement.

State Rep. David Gomberg (D-Otis), who represents Newport, says the helicopter’s removal, “could not come at a worse time with the weather turning and the crab season beginning.” He says there is mounting evidence DHS wants to replace the USCG operations at the Newport Airport with, “a large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center.” Gomberg points to multiple federal contractors posting job openings, including for healthcare staff and “detention officers.” A Lincoln County septic company, he says, also recently received an inquiry from a federal contractor regarding the cost of a system to pump up to 10,000 gallons of sewage a day. The City of Newport received a letter of intent from a federal contractor on November fourth, stating an unspecified federal project would be operational by December first.

Oregon U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle and Suzanne Bonamici sent a letter Wednesday demanding DHS Secretary Krisit Noem answer questions, including why DHS has not consulted with state or local officials before moving forward with changes.

“We urge you to immediately provide the Oregon congressional delegation and state and local officials with a clear explanation of DHS’s actions and intentions in Newport,” the Oregon lawmakers wrote. “Reassigning Coast Guard assets or establishing ICE facilities in Newport would be deeply misguided and should not move forward without full transparency and consultation with local officials.”

The Newport City Council hosts a public meeting Wednesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall to discuss what they know with the community.