A federal contractor is actively seeking hundreds of hotel rooms along the Oregon coast, specifically in Newport. This request has raised concerns regarding a potential immigrant detention facility in the area, according to officials from Newport. Mayor Jan Kaplan recently confirmed that a Texas-based contractor, Team Housing Solutions, has been contacting local hotels regarding the reservation of as many as 200 rooms for a year.
Team Housing Solutions Inquiry
The outreach from Team Housing Solutions suggests ongoing interest in developing a facility in Newport. Kaplan revealed this information through an Instagram video, emphasizing that the organization had made calls to multiple hotels as recently as Tuesday morning. The contractor specializes in providing rapid housing solutions for federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Previous Land Inquiry
Earlier this month, Team Housing Solutions expressed interest in leasing four acres of land at the Newport Municipal Airport. This action led to speculation about the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) aiming to establish a detention center in Newport, which currently lacks a large-scale immigration detention facility.
Public Outcry and Response
The public outcry over these developments has been significant, prompting Team Housing Solutions to retract its earlier land inquiry. However, Mayor Kaplan’s recent announcement indicates that the interest in Newport persists. ICE, DHS, and Team Housing Solutions have not yet provided responses to inquiries about their intentions in the area.
Concerns for Local Communities
Local immigrant communities have expressed confusion and fear regarding the potential immigrant detention center. Kaplan’s remarks have heightened these concerns, especially as a different federal contractor recently reached out to state officials about environmental regulations tied to an undisclosed project in Newport.
Legal Developments
In conjunction with this situation, Newport celebrated a legal victory when a federal judge ruled that the U.S. Coast Guard must return a rescue helicopter to the city’s airport. The helicopter had been moved without explanation in late October, leading to community concerns about safety, particularly as the Dungeness crab season approaches.
Community Response
Immigration attorney Kate Sinkins voiced the community’s apprehension about the federal contractor’s actions. She indicated that the presence of an airstrip in Newport might facilitate the transportation of detained individuals without due process, which has garnered local attention.
- Team Housing Solutions seeking up to 200 hotel rooms.
- Inquiry about renting 4 acres at Newport Municipal Airport.
- Newport currently lacks a large-scale immigration detention facility.
- Public outcry led to withdrawal of property inquiry by the contractor.
In summary, the search for hotel accommodations by Team Housing Solutions in Newport brings renewed concerns over federal immigration policies and community safety. The local government remains vigilant as developments unfold.
