Perched where the Pacific Ocean crashes into Oregon’s cliffs, Newport is known for its salty air, tight-knit community, and strong liberal roots.
But lately, that peaceful rhythm has been interrupted by a wave of anxiety — whispers that Donald Trump’s administration could soon plant a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility right in their backyard.
Local officials say they’ve received credible reports that the city’s small municipal airport might be under review as the proposed site.
Unable to get straight answers from Washington, Newport’s leaders decided to go public, hoping that sunlight would force clarity.
“Because of the seriousness and sensitivity of the issue,” the city said in a statement, “we felt the community deserved transparency.”
A Mayor Caught Between Fear and Duty
Mayor Jan Kaplan, who has long championed Newport’s reputation as a welcoming coastal haven, didn’t hide his unease.
“The safety and values of our residents are our top priority,” he said. “Any project that could affect those principles demands open dialogue, fairness, and a full review of social and economic impacts.”
The City Council quickly announced a public meeting for Wednesday night, inviting residents to voice their concerns and ask questions — even though officials admit they still don’t have many answers themselves.
Why Newport Feels Targeted
This isn’t the first time Oregon has found itself caught in the crossfire of Trump’s immigration agenda.
ICE already operates a small holding center in Portland’s South Waterfront district — a facility that became ground zero for months of protests and even a deployment of the National Guard last year.
When a federal judge later ruled that Trump’s move didn’t meet legal requirements, many in Oregon felt vindicated.
But the tension hasn’t gone away. If anything, it’s spreading.
Roughly 10 percent of Oregon’s population is made up of immigrants, compared to about 14 percent nationwide.
That may seem small, but in a state that prides itself on community and equality, the proposed facility feels personal.
The Human Toll Behind the Headlines
Across the state, fear and frustration are surfacing in very human ways.
Last week, in north Portland, 36-year-old mother Kylie Forslund allegedly used her Ford Mustang to block ICE vehicles during a raid.
When officers stopped her, she broke down, pleading, “Please, give me a warning. I have kids. I’m just a mom.”
A few days later, at a Hillsboro City Council meeting, 16-year-old Manny Chavez took the microphone and fought through tears as he described his fear for his parents — legal residents who he worries could still be targeted.
“I’m scared my parents will go to work and I won’t see them again,” he said, voice shaking.
“They treat us like animals.” His words left the room silent.
What Happens Next
For now, the situation in Newport remains uncertain.
The Department of Homeland Security and Oregon Governor Tina Kotek have not confirmed whether the site is even under official review.
But that hasn’t eased local fears.
Residents are expected to pack the council chambers on Wednesday, hoping for clarity — or at least solidarity.
For a community that thrives on neighborliness and open skies, the idea of becoming a symbol of Trump’s immigration crackdown feels like a storm rolling in off the Pacific.
And as one resident quietly put it outside City Hall, “We’re not just fighting for land. We’re fighting for who we are.”